falls away

USAGE SUMMARY

'falls away' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used in the context of a thing losing intensity, energy, or strength. For example, "The enthusiasm of the crowd gradually falls away as the long meeting goes on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All impairment falls away.

Independent

Translation, explication, falls away.

The New York Times

The rest falls away.

The New Yorker

The meaning falls away".

The New Yorker

Then Trayvon's voice falls away.

The New York Times

Modern disaffection falls away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything falls away".

The New York Times

It all falls away.

The Guardian

The modern world falls away.

The New York Times - Travel

And decency, that great American virtue, falls away.

The New York Times

The festival atmosphere of the grounds falls away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falls away" to describe a gradual decline or disappearance of something, whether it's a physical feature like land or an abstract concept like enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "falls away" to describe events that happen instantaneously. Instead, use words like "vanishes" or "disappears" for sudden disappearances, and keep "falls away" for more gradual processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "falls away" functions primarily as a descriptive verb, indicating a gradual decline, disappearance, or reduction in something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it often depicts a thing losing intensity, energy, or strength. The examples show its use in describing physical landscapes, emotional states, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "falls away" is a versatile expression used to describe a gradual decline, disappearance, or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage to depict a loss of intensity or strength. As demonstrated through Ludwig's numerous examples, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, and maintains a neutral register appropriate for diverse contexts. When using "falls away", ensure the context involves a gradual change rather than a sudden event. Consider alternatives like "diminishes", "fades", or "recedes" to fine-tune your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissipates

Implies a gradual disappearance or fading, often of something intangible.

vanishes

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance.

diminishes

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

fades

Implies a gradual loss of color, brightness, or strength.

lessens

Indicates a reduction in amount, degree, or intensity.

subsides

Suggests a decrease in intensity or activity.

declines

Implies a gradual deterioration or decrease.

ebbs

Suggests a receding or flowing back, often of a liquid.

wanes

Indicates a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity.

recedes

Implies a moving back or away from a previous position.

FAQs

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

You can use "falls away" to describe something gradually diminishing or disappearing. For example, "The initial excitement "fades" and routine sets in." or "As you ascend, the city "recedes into the distance"".

What are some alternatives to "falls away"?

Alternatives include "diminishes", "fades", "recedes", or "vanishes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "falls away" formal or informal?

"Falls away" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context will determine the overall tone.

What does it mean when someone says "the tension falls away"?

It means that the feeling of stress or anxiety is gradually decreasing or disappearing. It suggests a release of pressure and a move towards a more relaxed state.