ebb

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ebb" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a verb meaning "to slowly decrease or fade away." For example: "As the sun set, the tide began to ebb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In all previous elections, support for minority parties tends to ebb away at general elections.

The Guardian

But a new batch of Lord Ashcroft polls on Monday found Ukip struggling to maintain momentum in other target seats, with signs of its support beginning to ebb in the likes of Great Grimsby as the election draws nearer.

The Guardian

He said he believed Adam was alive at first but "the life seemed to ebb away from his body" as he was holding him.

The Guardian

Usually, tax collections rise more slowly than the broader economy.Many economists fret about an unpleasant scenario in 2011, when the stream of stimulus money will ebb, reserves will have been drained and revenues will still be meagre.

The Economist

But public resentment will be slow to ebb.

The Economist

Only then does it start to ebb, as women decide not to return to work.But it turns out that even shorter maternity breaks have unintended consequences.

The Economist

In Argentina, power will ebb away from Cristina Fernández.

The Economist

Inequality does not appear to ebb as economies mature, as Simon Kuznets, a Nobel-winning economist, argued in the 1950s.

The Economist

They will stay that way until money gets tighter, profits ebb or managers lose their heads.

The Economist

An opportunity, in Britain's case, for powers to ebb back instead of flow away… ….and for the European Union to focus on what really matters.

The Economist

If a whole industry leaves America's shores, demand for labour will ebb, and wages will fall.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overusing "ebb" in your writing, use alternatives such as "recede" or "wane" to provide greater precision and nuance depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "ebb" to describe something that disappears completely or permanently. The term implies a temporary decline with the potential for a future resurgence.

Linguistic Context

The word "ebb" functions primarily as both a verb, describing the action of receding or declining, and as a noun, referring to the receding movement itself or a period of decline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ebb" is a versatile term, commonly used as both a verb and a noun to describe a gradual decline or receding movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts. As highlighted by the numerous examples, "ebb" frequently appears in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific writing. When aiming for nuanced expression, consider alternatives such as ""recede"" or ""wane"". Remember that "ebb" implies a cyclical change rather than a permanent disappearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recede

Focuses specifically on the action of moving back or away.

wane

Emphasizes a gradual decline in power, influence, or intensity.

diminish

Highlights a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

decline

Suggests a downward trend, especially in health, wealth, or quality.

subside

Implies a settling down or reduction in intensity, often after a period of agitation.

abate

Indicates a decrease in force or intensity.

decrease

A general term for becoming smaller or less.

dwindle

Suggests a gradual reduction to a very small amount.

fade

Emphasizes a loss of color, brightness, or distinctness.

retreat

Implies a withdrawal or moving back, often in the face of opposition.

FAQs

How to use "ebb" in a sentence?

The word "ebb" can be used as a verb to describe something that is receding or declining, or as a noun to refer to the receding movement of the tide or a period of decline. For example, "The tide began to ebb" or "His enthusiasm started to ebb away".

What can I say instead of "ebb"?

You can use alternatives like ""recede"", ""wane"", or "diminish" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ebb" or "flow"?

"Ebb" and "flow" are both correct words, but they have opposite meanings. "Ebb" refers to the receding of the tide or a decline, while "flow" refers to the incoming tide or an increase.

What's the difference between "ebb" and "wane"?

"Ebb" often refers to a physical decrease, like water levels, while ""wane"" typically describes a decline in something intangible, such as power or influence, though the meanings can overlap.