erode away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erode away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something gradually being worn away, often through natural processes such as wind and water. For example, "The coastline of the island has been eroding away for hundreds of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

the nanocones can easily erode away due to sand abrasion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Continents crash or volcanoes erupt, then glaciers erode away.

Columbia University

Most are small and erode away soon afterwards.

The Economist

When the caps finally drop or completely erode away, the soft necks of the chimneys are quickly destroyed.

Geomorphology

"Surround yourself with those who nurture the good in you and erode away the bad," says Bakkar.

The Guardian

It is a collection of additions, restorations, replacements — each representing humanity's unwillingness to let this piece of history erode away.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It had eroded away?" M asked.

The New Yorker

There was evidence of material having been eroded away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I feel that idea is being eroded away.

The Guardian - Sport

The former bulge had, as usual, been eroded away by the river.

Proceedings of the Geologists' Association

Numerous extensive areas called peneplains, whose relief has been largely eroded away, also were formed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erode away" to describe a gradual loss or wearing down of something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The constant criticism eroded away her confidence."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "erode away" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "deteriorate" or "diminish", especially in academic or professional contexts. Choose your wording carefully to suit the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "erode away" functions primarily as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating a process of gradual degradation or disappearance. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "erode away" accurately describes a gradual decline or wearing down, applicable to both physical and abstract concepts. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, remember to consider the context and desired tone when choosing between "erode away" and similar alternatives. The examples showcase its common usage across news, academic, and scientific domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wear away

Focuses on the physical process of gradual abrasion or attrition.

disintegrate

Emphasizes a breakdown into smaller parts, often implying a loss of structure.

crumble

Suggests a breaking into fragments or small pieces, losing integrity.

deteriorate

Highlights a decline in quality or condition over time.

diminish

Indicates a decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

dissipate

Implies a gradual disappearance or fading away, often used for intangible things.

vanish

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance.

abrade

Refers specifically to the process of wearing down by friction.

dissolve

Implies a breaking down into a liquid or solution.

degrade

Focuses on a reduction in quality or moral status.

FAQs

How can I use "erode away" in a sentence?

The phrase "erode away" describes a gradual wearing down or disappearance. For example, "The value of the currency began to "erode away" due to inflation".

What is a synonym for "erode away"?

Alternatives to "erode away" include "wear away", "disintegrate", or "deteriorate", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "erode away"?

While "erode" itself implies a gradual wearing down, using "away" emphasizes the complete or eventual disappearance of something. The redundancy is minimal and contributes to the sense of gradual loss.

Can "erode away" be used for both physical and abstract things?

Yes, "erode away" can describe the wearing down of physical objects, such as a coastline, and the gradual loss of abstract qualities, such as trust or confidence.