falls away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falls away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that gradually decreases, diminishes, or separates from a particular point or position. Example: "As the sun set, the warmth of the day falls away from the cool evening air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In several roles, however, this falls away from her.

The New York Times - Arts

If the spoon slips in your hand, the soup falls away from, rather than toward you.

The New York Times - Arts

When the key is released, the tangent falls away from the string, which is then silenced by the felt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gradually, he falls away from his wife and the reader, moving from the edge of darkness into its centre.

The Guardian

He hopes to "burn up like the booster engine that falls away from the throttling rocket, lighting a little dark as I go".

The New York Times - Books

When the meat falls away from the bone, it's ready to eat – and this is when I embrace my carnivore spirit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Recognizing the importance of its kinetic mechanism in controlled cell deletion, either occurring spontaneously or in response to a stimulus, they offered the term apoptosis (from Greek, meaning "to fall away from", as in leaves from a tree; thus, the falling away of cells from a tissue).

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Then, the years fall away from Paul.

The New York Times - Sports

"They just fall away from the world".

The New Yorker

"It was falling away from her body," Ms. Fish said.

The New York Times

Small bombs fell away from the undercarriage of his plane.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual loss of interest or focus, use "falls away from" to convey a subtle and natural decline. For example: "As the speaker droned on, the audience's attention gradually falls away from the presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "falls away from" when a more direct term like "separates from" or "detaches from" would be more precise. "Falls away from" implies a gradual or natural process, not a sudden or forced removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls away from" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a gradual separation, decline, or deviation. It is commonly used to describe a loss of something, whether physical or abstract. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "falls away from" is a versatile phrasal verb that describes a gradual separation, decline, or deviation. It is considered grammatically correct and is commonly found in diverse sources such as news articles, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, as shown in Ludwig. While generally neutral in register, it is less common in highly informal contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid using it when a more direct term like "separates from" is more appropriate. According to Ludwig's AI, the phrase is well-established and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detaches itself from

Focuses on the physical separation of something from another object.

separates from

Emphasizes a distinct division or parting from something else.

diverges from

Highlights a deviation from a set path, standard, or belief.

departs from

Implies a formal or significant move away from a prior condition or position.

recedes from

Indicates a gradual withdrawal or retreat from a certain area or state.

diminishes from

Suggests a reduction in size, importance, or intensity relative to something.

declines from

Highlights a downward trend or decrease in quality or value.

strays from

Implies an unintended or undesirable departure from a proper course or standard.

wanders from

Focuses on a more casual or undirected movement away from something.

breaks away from

Emphasizes a forceful or sudden separation from a group or constraint.

FAQs

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

You can use "falls away from" to describe a gradual decrease or separation, such as "As the crowd thinned, the noise "fell away from" the stadium" or "The path "falls away from" the cliff edge here, so be careful."

What are some alternatives to "falls away from"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "detaches from", "separates from", or "diverges from" as alternatives to "falls away from".

Is "falls away from" formal or informal?

"Falls away from" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in writing than in very casual conversation. Its suitability depends on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "falls away from" and "falls off of"?

"Falls away from" suggests a gradual separation or decline, while "falls off of" implies a more sudden and complete detachment. For example, "The support fell away from the project" versus "The book fell off of the table."