fizzle out

USAGE SUMMARY

"fizzle out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that something gradually stops existing, functioning, or progressing. For example, "The conversation began to fizzle out as the party wore on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Maybe I'll just fizzle out".

The Guardian - Sport

It looks likely to fizzle out too.

The Economist

"It won't fizzle out," he insisted.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the protests will fizzle out in the slush.

The Economist

At the time, it seemed to fizzle out embarrassingly.

Independent

The promising situations fizzle out in half-baked jokes.

The New York Times

Some technological trends fizzle out while others overturn everything.

MIT Technology Review

Or he could fizzle out and fade away.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Plot lines lead down blind alleys or abruptly fizzle out.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

One of the biggest issues facing relationships is the fizzle-out.

WikiHow

The game is beginning to fizzle out.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fizzle out" to describe a gradual decline in energy, enthusiasm, or progress, rather than a sudden stop. It's suitable when something loses momentum over time.

Common error

Avoid using "fizzle out" when describing an abrupt or immediate failure. Opt for terms like "collapse" or "fail spectacularly" for those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fizzle out" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It describes a process of gradual decline or cessation. Ludwig AI validates that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "fizzle out" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the gradual decline or termination of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various real-world examples showcasing its application. The phrase is versatile enough for many contexts, but it's especially prevalent in news and media, as well as formal business communication. Remember to employ it to describe gradual decreases rather than sudden collapses. Alternatives like "peter out" or "fade away" may be suitable depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peter out

Implies a gradual decrease to nothing, similar to something losing its initial energy.

taper off

Suggests a gradual reduction in intensity or quantity.

die down

Describes a decrease in activity or excitement until it stops.

fade away

Indicates a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility or importance.

come to nothing

Emphasizes the failure of an effort or plan to produce results.

fall flat

Highlights the lack of success or impact of something.

lose steam

Suggests a decline in energy or enthusiasm.

grind to a halt

Indicates a slow and eventual stop of progress or activity.

dissipate

Implies a gradual dispersal or disappearance of something.

evaporate

Suggests a rapid and complete disappearance, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "fizzle out" in a sentence?

You can use "fizzle out" to describe something that gradually loses momentum or importance. For example, "The initial excitement about the project began to fizzle out after a few weeks."

What are some alternatives to "fizzle out"?

You can use alternatives like "peter out", "die down", or "fade away" depending on the context.

Is "fizzle out" formal or informal?

"Fizzle out" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "fizzle out" and "burn out"?

"Fizzle out" implies a gradual decline in energy or enthusiasm, whereas "burn out" suggests a state of exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. "Burn out" often involves a more intense initial period followed by a rapid decline, while "fizzle out" is usually a slower process.