fall into the void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall into the void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone feels lost, abandoned, or without direction. Example: "After losing his job, he felt as if he would fall into the void, unsure of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Walhalla, their palace, will fall into the void.

The Guardian

I often wish, when I'm writing a story that starts out with some humor, that it will stay that way, and I can be Noël Coward or something — but I always seem to fall into the void.

The New Yorker

You can become isolated from all that and fall into the void of your own celebrity". Chase reflects on the different life his father has led.

Los Angeles Times

He is gripped by a genuine fear that he might fall into the void and be locked out of the Crystal Maze.

Vice

If you fall off the edge of the islands, you will fall into the Void and die.

WikiHow

If you mine it, you will fall into The Void, and on layer -64, you start losing health.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Anyone trying to move further to the right than Tom DeLay is in danger of falling into the void.

The New York Times

You can now live the streaming life you want with little side effects besides falling into the void of content.

Forbes

Brian falls into the void like the boy in the film, the shot is even positioned in exactly the same way.

Wikipedia

In the meantime, the Cybermen vanished and the breach began causing unprecedented global warming on the parallel Earth, which the Doctor theorises is the start of the process that will lead to both planets falling into the Void.

Wikipedia

Movies smaller or less prestigious than "Roma" often receive minuscule marketing efforts ― if they're marketed at all ― and end up falling into the void, shortchanging everyone who made them and everyone who might want to see them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. While "fall into the void" can add dramatic flair, ensure it aligns with the tone and subject matter of your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fall into the void" in purely literal contexts where a more direct description would suffice. It's best used when conveying a sense of existential dread, complete disappearance, or loss of meaning rather than just describing someone tripping.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall into the void" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a transition into a state of nothingness, loss, or oblivion. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often conveys a sense of despair or disappearance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fall into the void" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a transition into a state of loss, insignificance, or nothingness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its impact lies in evoking a sense of emptiness and despair. To avoid misuse, consider its figurative nature and reserve it for situations where a strong sense of loss or disappearance is intended. Alternatives like "descend into oblivion" or "sink into nothingness" offer similar connotations with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sink into nothingness

This phrase emphasizes the loss of substance and existence, akin to the emptiness implied by "fall into the void".

be swallowed by the abyss

This alternative uses a more dramatic image of being consumed by a dark and deep space.

descend into oblivion

This alternative suggests a gradual decline into a state of being forgotten or unknown, similar to the disappearing aspect of "fall into the void".

become lost forever

This phrase focuses on the permanent disappearance, mirroring the idea of no return from the void.

vanish without a trace

This alternative highlights the complete disappearance, mirroring the idea of something disappearing into the void.

disappear into the unknown

This phrase emphasizes the uncertainty and mystery of where something goes, akin to the unknowable nature of the void.

succumb to oblivion

This phrase suggests surrendering to a state of being completely forgotten or unknown, relating to the disappearance aspect of "fall into the void".

lapse into obscurity

This phrase suggests a gradual fading from prominence or recognition, similar to becoming lost in the void.

fade into insignificance

This alternative highlights the loss of importance, similar to losing relevance in the void.

plummet into despair

This alternative focuses on the negative emotional state one might experience, like falling into an emotional void.

FAQs

How can "fall into the void" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "fall into the void" describes a state of feeling lost, insignificant, or without purpose, similar to "sinking into nothingness" or "descending into oblivion".

What is a less dramatic alternative to "fall into the void"?

If you need a less dramatic phrasing, consider options like "fade into insignificance" or "lapse into obscurity", depending on the intended nuance.

Is "fall into the void" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fall into the void" carries a strong emotional weight. Consider your audience and the tone of your piece before using it in formal writing. More neutral phrases may be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "fall into the void" in Minecraft?

In the game Minecraft, if your character falls off the edge of the world, they "fall into the void", resulting in the loss of items and respawning at the starting point.