fade out

USAGE SUMMARY

"fade out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a gradual ending or disappearance. For example: "The music gradually faded out as the credits rolled down the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

FADE OUT on sepia.

The Guardian - Film

And fade out again.

The Guardian - Music

FADE OUT of sepia.

The Guardian - Film

Fade out as orchestra plays.

The Economist

FADE OUT again to sepia.

The Guardian - Film

"Cash in and fade out," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

A beautiful fade-out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And now it's fade-out time.

The New Yorker

At the end a fade-out turns into a fake-out.

The New York Times - Arts

"The next recording is introduced during the fade-out of the last one," the article continued.

The New York Times - Arts

Signal drop in the far field (fade-out sign) indicated severe diffuse fatty infiltration.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In film or video contexts, "fade out" specifically refers to a transition to black. Be clear about the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fade out" when describing sudden or abrupt endings. This phrase implies a gradual process. Instead of saying "the lights faded out suddenly", use "the lights went out suddenly" or "the lights cut out suddenly" to accurately reflect the abrupt nature of the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fade out" primarily functions as an intransitive verb indicating a gradual decrease or disappearance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a process of diminishing intensity or visibility. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fade out" is a phrasal verb denoting a gradual disappearance or decline, supported by Ludwig AI as a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. Its function is to describe a slow transition towards an end, applicable both literally (e.g., a sound fading) and figuratively (e.g., a trend fading). Common in news, science, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various situations. Remember to use "fade out" for gradual processes and avoid it when describing abrupt endings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually disappear

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the disappearance, aligning with the core meaning of "fade out".

slowly vanish

Highlights the slow and subtle manner in which something ceases to be visible or present.

dissipate

Implies a scattering or thinning out until nothing remains, similar to a gradual fading.

peter out

Suggests a gradual decline to nothing, often used for projects or efforts that lose momentum.

dwindle

Conveys a reduction in size or amount, leading to eventual disappearance.

ebb away

Implies a receding or flowing back, like a tide, until nothing is left.

taper off

Focuses on the gradual decrease in intensity or amount before ceasing entirely.

die away

Suggests a gradual weakening and eventual cessation, often used for sounds or emotions.

come to an end

A more general way of saying that something is finishing, though without the emphasis on gradualness.

reach a conclusion

Similar to come to an end, but applies to projects, reports, investigations, and similar instances.

FAQs

How can I use "fade out" in a sentence?

You can use "fade out" to describe a gradual disappearance, like "The sound of the waves began to "fade out" as we walked further inland" or to indicate a transition in film, such as "The scene "fades out", leaving the audience in suspense".

What's a synonym for "fade out"?

Some synonyms for "fade out" include "gradually disappear", "slowly vanish", or "dissipate", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "faded out"?

Yes, "faded out" is the past tense and past participle of "fade out". You can say, "The memory "faded out" over the years" or "The colors had "faded out" completely."

How does "fade out" differ from "disappear"?

"Fade out" implies a gradual disappearance, while "disappear" suggests a more immediate or sudden vanishing. For example, smoke might ""fade out"", but a magician might "disappear" from the stage.