dust has fallen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dust has fallen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where dust has settled or accumulated, often implying a sense of neglect or the passage of time. Example: "After the long winter, the dust has fallen on the forgotten furniture in the attic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Young people's use of hallucinogens, like LSD, and PCP, or "angel dust," has fallen since 1979 as well, and while heroin use has remained roughly stable, it appears that the young in the inner city are starting to spurn the drug.

The New York Times

We also found through environmental surveys that although lead in road dust has fallen by 50% in urban areas, platinum accumulations near roads have risen significantly, up to 90-fold higher than natural background levels.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something big hit the earth 65m years ago and, when the dust had fallen, so had the great reptiles.

The Economist

Once the dust had fallen on Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency and Richard M. Nixon had taken office, what remained was, The Rise and Decline of the American Century shows, an adulterated, strategically-based version of Luce's American Century.

Cornell University

Mr. Krueger's data, for instance, shows that the average time devoted to dusting has fallen significantly in recent decades.

The New York Times

The blizzard had been cancelled, but a light dusting had fallen.

The New Yorker

A column of dust circles the eaglet, which has fallen onto the road of vanity and deceit".

The New York Times - Books

Except for the boy and girl Scouts, who still place little American flags on grave sites in our veterans' cemeteries, like the one almost within sight of my house, and a few soldiers' and sailors' relatives who come to visit, the original meaning of it has fallen into dust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Billowing dust from the big, ruminant mixers has fallen and settled for a last time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Little rain has fallen since then The summer was hotter than normal and more than 20 colossal dust storms have blown away much of the topsoil.

The New York Times

The silhouette of the sleeping child could still be seen marked out of dust and debris which had fallen on to his cot.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dust has fallen" to evoke a sense of time passing or a situation reaching a conclusion, especially where a period of activity or turmoil has ended.

Common error

Avoid using "dust has fallen" too frequently in contemporary writing where more direct and modern language might be more effective. The phrase can sound archaic if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dust has fallen" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, often used metaphorically to indicate the end of a period of activity or turmoil. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dust has fallen" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English. As Ludwig AI also points out, it conveys a sense of resolution or the end of a period of activity, often used metaphorically. While correct, its frequency is uncommon, lending a slightly formal tone. When writing, consider more direct language for contemporary contexts, but embrace its evocative power when appropriate. Though the frequency of the expression is not so high, the authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian show that the expression is well accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation has settled

Focuses on the resolution of a situation, omitting the literal dust.

things have calmed down

Emphasizes a reduction in activity or conflict.

the matter has been resolved

Highlights the completion of a process or issue.

the debris has settled

Focuses on the settling of physical remnants, similar to dust.

the storm has passed

Uses a metaphor to indicate the end of a turbulent period.

the worst is over

Indicates that the most difficult part of a situation has ended.

the uproar has subsided

Highlights the decrease in noise or disturbance.

the excitement has died down

Focuses on the reduction of enthusiasm or energy.

the furor has abated

Emphasizes the lessening of intense public anger or excitement.

the controversy has waned

Highlights the decline in public dispute or debate.

FAQs

How can I use "dust has fallen" in a sentence?

You can use "dust has fallen" to describe a situation where a period of activity or turmoil has ended and things have settled down, or literally when dust has settled after some disturbance. For example, "After the argument, the "situation has settled", and the dust has fallen."

What's a more modern alternative to "dust has fallen"?

While "dust has fallen" can be evocative, consider using phrases like "things have calmed down", "the situation has settled", or "the matter has been resolved" for a more contemporary feel.

Is it correct to say "the dust is falling" instead of "dust has fallen"?

Yes, "the dust is falling" is grammatically correct, but it describes a different scenario. "Dust is falling" implies an ongoing action, whereas "dust has fallen" indicates a completed action or a state of rest.

What is the difference between "dust has fallen" and "dust has settled"?

"Dust has fallen" often implies a more significant event or period that has ended, after which dust settles. While "dust has settled" can simply mean that dust is no longer in the air. The former can also be used metaphorically to mean that a situation has calmed down.