falling into disuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling into disuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming less common or no longer used over time. Example: "With the rise of digital communication, traditional letter writing is falling into disuse."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The custom has been falling into disuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lucy served as a hotel, then a tavern before falling into disuse.

The New York Times

In American English, however, so-called is falling into disuse; it has the flavor of usage by speakers whose English is a second language.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is also a difference in scoring between the two types of concerto, for at the time that the concerto grosso was being replaced by the solo concerto the basso continuo was falling into disuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The institution was invoked less frequently after the Persian Wars, falling into disuse after it was used ineffectively, probably in 417, to resolve the political impasse caused by the rivalry of Nicias and Alcibiades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the great philological schools of Basra and al-Kūfah in Iraq were formed in the 8th century, the rāwīs were sought out by scholars as preservers of an ancient language and poetic style that was falling into disuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Facilities fell into disuse.

The New York Times - Arts

The cliché fell into disuse.

The Economist

Everything else fell into disuse.

The New Yorker

The decoys fell into disuse.

The New York Times

Things fall into disuse, then desuetude.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cultural trends or historical practices, use "falling into disuse" to indicate a gradual decline rather than a sudden stop. For example, "Traditional crafts are falling into disuse as mass-produced items become more prevalent."

Common error

Avoid using "falling into disuse" when you mean "falling into despair". "Falling into disuse" describes something becoming obsolete, while "falling into despair" describes a state of hopelessness. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling into disuse" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe the state of something becoming obsolete or less frequently used. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "falling into disuse" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes something gradually becoming obsolete or less frequently used. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most often found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from similar-sounding phrases like "falling into despair", which have entirely different meanings. Consider alternatives such as "becoming obsolete" or "going out of fashion" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceasing to be used

Directly states the termination of usage.

becoming obsolete

Focuses on the state of being outdated or no longer in use.

lapsing into obsolescence

Highlights the process of becoming obsolete.

becoming outdated

Highlights the aspect of being old and not up-to-date.

becoming defunct

Focuses on the cessation of operation or function.

going out of fashion

Emphasizes the aspect of losing popularity or trendiness.

losing currency

Suggests a decline in acceptance or relevance.

disappearing from use

Emphasizes the vanishing of something from active use.

fading away

Implies a gradual disappearance or decline.

becoming a thing of the past

Indicates that something belongs to a previous era.

FAQs

How can I use "falling into disuse" in a sentence?

You can use "falling into disuse" to describe something that is gradually becoming less common or no longer used. For example, "With the rise of digital communication, traditional letter writing is "falling into disuse"".

What are some alternatives to "falling into disuse"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming obsolete", "going out of fashion", or "becoming outdated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something has "fallen into disuse"?

Yes, it is correct to say something has "fallen into disuse". It indicates that something has already become less common or is no longer used.

What's the difference between "falling into disuse" and "falling into decline"?

"Falling into disuse" specifically refers to something becoming obsolete or less used, while "falling into decline" is a broader term that can refer to a decrease in quality, power, or importance.