faded away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faded away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something gradually becomes less distinct, visible, or strong over time. For example: "The stars in the night sky slowly faded away as the sun began to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He faded away.

The New York Times - Sports

Keaton had faded away.

The Guardian - Film

Faded away in the second.

Independent

So that faded away slowly".

The New Yorker

Our sidewalk game faded away.

The New York Times

Friends gradually faded away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worries about his election have faded away.

The Economist

After several weeks, the matter faded away.

The New Yorker

His voice faded away and he cried.

Independent

The Buffett Rule has largely faded away.

The New York Times

Others, like Heller, just faded away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faded away" to describe processes that gradually diminish over time, such as memories, colors, or influences. It is most effective when emphasizing the slow and steady nature of the decline.

Common error

Avoid using "faded away" when a more immediate or abrupt disappearance is intended. For instance, use "vanished" or "disappeared" if something ceased to exist suddenly rather than gradually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faded away" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual disappearance or decline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, with numerous examples demonstrating its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "faded away" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes a gradual decline or disappearance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples across various sources. Its neutral register and broad applicability make it a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey a sense of slow and steady diminishing. While it's essential to avoid using it in contexts demanding a sudden vanishing, "faded away" remains a common and effective way to depict the subtle passage of time and the gradual erosion of presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanished

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance, lacking the gradual decline suggested by "faded away".

disappeared

A general term for ceasing to be visible or present, without necessarily implying a gradual process.

petered out

Indicates a gradual decline to nothing, often used for activities or efforts.

melted away

Implies a gradual disappearance as if dissolving, often used for fears or difficulties.

dissipated

Suggests a scattering or breaking up, often used for intangible things like hopes or fears.

dwindled

Implies a gradual reduction in size or amount.

waned

Implies a decrease in power, influence, or intensity, often used for abstract concepts or celestial bodies.

evaporated

Implies a transformation into vapor, often used metaphorically for things that disappear quickly and completely.

declined

Suggests a decrease in quality, quantity, or importance.

subsided

Suggests a calming down or lessening of intensity, often used for emotions or disturbances.

FAQs

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

You can use "faded away" to describe something that gradually becomes less visible, audible, or noticeable. For example, "The sound of the music slowly "faded away" as the car drove off."

What's the difference between ""faded away"" and "disappeared"?

"Faded away" implies a gradual decline or vanishing, while "disappeared" suggests a more sudden and complete removal. Use ""faded away"" when emphasizing the gradual nature of the disappearance.

What are some alternatives to using ""faded away""?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dissipated", "vanished", "petered out", or "melted away".

Is ""faded away"" formal or informal?

"Faded away" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.