fades away

USAGE SUMMARY

'fades away' can be used in written English.
To use it, you could use it to describe something or someone that is disappearing. For example, "The sun slowly fades away from the horizon, leaving a beautiful orange and pink sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing fades away anymore.

The New Yorker

The situation fades away.

The New York Times

That all fades away".

The New York Times

He fades away, embarrassed.

The Guardian

The pain fades away.

The New York Times

Then the issue fades away.

The New York Times

All of that fades away".

The New York Times

The individual fades away," Holmes-Winn said.

Princeton University

Rather, researchers found that consciousness fades away.

Independent

she fades away at this point.

The Guardian - Film

I've been told this feeling fades away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fades away" to describe the gradual disappearance of something, whether it's a memory, a sound, or a physical object. For example, "The music softly fades away at the end of the song."

Common error

While "fades away" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "diminishes" or "dissipates" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fades away" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a gradual disappearance or decline. As shown by Ludwig, it describes how something diminishes over time, be it a physical object, a sensation, or an abstract concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Fades away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the gradual disappearance or decline of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "diminishes" or "dissipates" in professional or scientific writing. Related phrases include "dissipates", "vanishes", and "disappears gradually", each offering a slightly different nuance. When used effectively, "fades away" can add depth and imagery to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappears gradually

Emphasizes the progressive nature of the disappearance.

dissipates

Focuses on the dispersal of something until it's no longer noticeable.

vanishes

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance without a trace.

diminishes

Highlights a gradual reduction in size, strength, or importance.

slowly recedes

Suggests a movement away, becoming less visible over time.

ebbs away

Similar to receding, often used in the context of emotions or tides.

peter out

Indicates a gradual decline until something ceases completely.

wanes

Describes a decline in power, influence, or intensity.

evaporates

Implies a change from a liquid state to a vapor, disappearing into the air.

melts away

Suggests a gradual disappearance as if something is dissolving.

FAQs

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

You can use "fades away" to describe something that gradually disappears or loses its intensity. For instance, "The sunset "fades away", leaving the sky dark" or "The memory "fades away" with time".

What are some synonyms for "fades away"?

Alternatives to "fades away" include "diminishes", "dissipates", "vanishes", or "disappears gradually". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "fades away" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "fades away" might be considered too informal for highly formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "diminishes" or "dissipates".

What's the difference between "fades away" and "disappears"?

"Fades away" implies a gradual disappearance, while "disappears" suggests a more sudden vanishing. For example, "The sound "fades away"" suggests the sound slowly becomes inaudible, whereas "The magician disappears" implies a more immediate vanishing act.