falls out of use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falls out of use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer commonly used or has become obsolete over time. Example: "With the rise of digital communication, the use of handwritten letters often falls out of use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In fact, one falls out of use about every two weeks.

The New York Times - Science

Evolutionary theory suggests that when a complex feature like a wing falls out of use, the genes that code for its parts will accumulate so many mutations that they would never work again.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

With the advent of major shipping lanes, however, the overland routes fell out of use and Kashgar became something of a backwater.

BBC

The truth is, conventional politics has simply fallen out of use in front of us, so slowly at times we may not have noticed it.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lot of words have fallen out of use".

The Guardian

WHEN churches fall out of use, what happens to them?

The Economist

By the end of the eighth century, the original diple had fallen out of use.

The New Yorker

Random browsing might become less common, and words might fall out of use as a result.

The New Yorker

The advanced science and math curricula developed for schools fell out of use.

The New York Times

During the period of Mongol rule (after 1240), the term druzhina fell out of use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Rail fell out of use, and people just didn't see it anymore".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reason something "falls out of use", provide context about the factors that led to its decline, such as technological advancements or changes in cultural preferences.

Common error

While "falls out of use" is generally acceptable, consider more casual alternatives like "becomes outdated" or "is no longer popular" in informal settings to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falls out of use" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something is no longer utilized or practiced. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falls out of use" is a versatile expression indicating that something is no longer being utilized, often due to obsolescence or changing preferences. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, consider the specific context when choosing between "falls out of use" and more casual alternatives. Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Disappears from use

Focuses on the disappearance from common practice or application.

Ceases to be used

A more formal and direct way of stating that something is no longer in use.

Becomes obsolete

Focuses on the state of being outdated rather than the process of ceasing to be used.

Lapses into disuse

Highlights a gradual decline into a state of not being used.

Goes out of fashion

Specifically refers to trends and styles that are no longer popular.

Is superseded

Implies replacement by something newer or better.

Is no longer in vogue

Implies a decline in popularity or trendiness.

Becomes defunct

Suggests that something has ceased to function or exist.

Passes into oblivion

Emphasizes the complete disappearance or forgetting of something.

Goes by the board

Indicates that something has been discarded or abandoned.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "falls out of use"?

When something "falls out of use", it means that it is no longer commonly used or has become obsolete. This can happen due to technological advancements, changes in societal preferences, or other factors that render the item or practice less relevant or practical.

What are some reasons why something might "fall out of use"?

Reasons can include the introduction of newer, more efficient technologies, shifts in cultural trends, changes in economic conditions, or the discovery of better methods or practices. For instance, the advent of smartphones caused many older mobile phone features to "become obsolete".

Is "falls out of use" formal or informal?

The phrase "falls out of use" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, you might opt for simpler alternatives like "isn't used anymore".

What can I say instead of "falls out of use"?

You can use alternatives like "becomes obsolete", "is no longer used", or "becomes defunct" depending on the specific context.