erode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual wearing away or deterioration of something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "Over time, the constant exposure to harsh weather conditions can erode the integrity of the building's structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ruling National Front coalition has been weakened by dissent against Abdullah, who has seen his authority erode rapidly since the March vote.

The Guardian

Komorowski's lacklustre campaign has seen his support erode, and while Duda performed more strongly than some suspected, his support has also dropped in recent weeks.

The Guardian

Too much immigration and too little integration have, they suggest, combined to erode social cohesion, undermine national identity and corrode public trust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public mistrust of government is high in Britain, and deference to the political elite has also collapsed as economic woes erode living standards.

The Guardian

"There is no doubt that a decline in remittances will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and erode the gains Somalia has made in recent years".

The Guardian

They also say that the clandestine manoeuvres to spy on students, environmentalists, anti-fascists and other campaigners erode free speech and the freedom to protest.

The Guardian

Last year I reported for Harper's and Guernica on fever-pitch attempts in Kansas to erode both the funding of public schools and the separation of church and state within them.

The Guardian

He added: "There are some governments that feel [these companies] have stolen a march on tax jurisdictions and are concerned that this will erode their competitive advantage.

The Guardian - Business

He triumphed in the head-on confrontation with Farage over taking a handout from the state (to which the party was perfectly entitled, but which Carswell thought would erode the party's claim to be different) and despite having delivered the most complete non-endorsement of Farage's leadership at the weekend, his status as an MP should be an amulet against lethal attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

You only have to look at what Obama's administration wants to do – which is to erode inequality in healthcare and so on – and how difficult it is to achieve that, to understand how important this is.

The Guardian - Books

"Because they are the same species they are very vulnerable to losing their pure genetics to domesticated chickens," he says, explaining that could not only hinder our study of the bird's domestication but also erode a useful genepool should the domesticated bird fall foul of disease.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erode" to describe the gradual destruction or weakening of something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The waves erode the coastline" or "Constant criticism can erode someone's confidence".

Common error

Avoid using "erode" when describing a sudden or immediate collapse. "Erode" implies a gradual, ongoing process. Instead of saying "The company's profits eroded overnight", consider "The company's profits collapsed overnight".

Linguistic Context

The verb "erode" functions to describe a process of gradual destruction or diminution. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is used in both literal contexts, such as physical erosion, and figurative contexts, such as the erosion of trust or authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "erode" describes a gradual process of wearing away or weakening, applicable both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media and Formal & Business sources, the phrase carries a neutral to professional tone. When writing, remember that "erode" implies a gradual process, and synonyms like "wear away" or "undermine" can offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in describing everything from physical landscapes to abstract ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wear away

Focuses on the physical process of gradual removal or diminution by friction.

undermine

Highlights the weakening or destabilizing of something, often in a less direct way.

diminish

Emphasizes a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

weaken

Refers to a loss of strength or power.

degrade

Implies a decline in quality or status.

deteriorate

Suggests a worsening condition over time.

corrode

Specifically refers to the gradual destruction of metal or other materials by chemical reactions.

abrade

Emphasizes the wearing down through friction or rubbing.

attenuate

Indicates a reduction in intensity or force.

impair

Highlights the weakening or damaging of something's function or condition.

FAQs

How is "erode" used in a sentence?

The word "erode" is a verb that describes the gradual wearing away or destruction of something. For example, "The river's current will "erode" the riverbanks over time".

What are some synonyms for "erode"?

Some synonyms for "erode" include "wear away", "undermine", "diminish", and "deteriorate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "erode" and "corrode"?

"Erode" generally describes the gradual wearing away of something, while "corrode" specifically refers to the destruction of metal or other materials through chemical reactions.

Can you use "erode" in a figurative sense?

Yes, "erode" can be used figuratively to describe the gradual weakening or destruction of something non-physical, such as trust, confidence, or values. For example, "The constant scandals "erode" public trust in the government".