fell into disuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fell into disuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was once commonly used or practiced but has since become obsolete or no longer in use. Example: "The old tradition of letter writing fell into disuse with the advent of digital communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

The system fell into disuse in the late empire.

Britannica

After that conflict, however, the militia fell into disuse.

Britannica

The lanes fell into disuse in the 1970's.

The New York Times

Although popular at one time, it fell into disuse by 1975 and was demolished in 2005.

Cornell University

But the diagnosis fell into disuse because it seemed to encompass so many conditions.

The New York Times - Health

The canal, however, fell into disuse at the end of the 8th century.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

After the second world war, the railway the only one in Laos fell into disuse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the decline of a tradition or practice, use "fell into disuse" to emphasize a gradual process rather than a sudden stop.

Common error

Avoid using "fell into disuse" when you mean something physically deteriorated. Disuse implies lack of use, while disrepair implies physical decay. Use "fell into disrepair" for buildings or objects that have deteriorated physically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell into disuse" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something was once in use but is no longer utilized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its role in describing obsolescence or abandonment. This is evident in examples such as "The decoys fell into disuse."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fell into disuse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase to describe something that was once in use but has become obsolete. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias, and academic sources. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from similar terms like "fell into disrepair", which implies physical deterioration rather than obsolescence. Related phrases include "became obsolete" and "was abandoned", offering alternative ways to express the concept of something no longer being used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became obsolete

Indicates a complete loss of utility or relevance, highlighting the outdated nature.

was abandoned

Emphasizes the act of intentionally ceasing use or practice.

lapsed into obsolescence

Highlights a gradual decline into being outdated.

became defunct

Implies that something has ceased to exist or function.

stopped being used

A straightforward description of discontinued usage.

was discontinued

Highlights the act of formally terminating the use of something.

became outmoded

Focuses on the outdated nature, suggesting newer alternatives exist.

passed out of use

Indicates a gradual cessation of use over time.

became archaic

Suggests something is very old and no longer applicable to modern times.

was superseded

Highlights that something has been replaced by a newer or better alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "fell into disuse" to describe practices, customs, or objects that are no longer commonly used. For example, "The tradition of sending handwritten letters "fell into disuse" with the rise of email".

What's a more formal alternative to "fell into disuse"?

More formal alternatives include "became obsolete" or "was rendered obsolete". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing where precision is important.

What's the difference between "fell into disuse" and "fell into disrepair"?

"Fell into disuse" refers to something no longer being used, while "fell into disrepair" refers to something deteriorating physically. For example, a library may "fall into disrepair" if not maintained but a specific edition may "fall into disuse" if it's superseded.

Is it correct to say something "went into disuse"?

While understandable, "went into disuse" is less common and slightly less idiomatic than ""fell into disuse"". The latter is the more established and preferred phrasing.