flutter away

USAGE SUMMARY

"flutter away" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used as a verb, and describes the movement of something such as a bird or an insect (or ideas) as it quickly flies away or fades away, usually in a gentle, graceful manner. For example, you could say, "As the butterflies fluttered away, the garden filled with the sound of their delicate wings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Woods had a series of birdie putts flutter away from the hole on the front nine.

The New York Times - Sports

How has Britain's art establishment let this modern treasure flutter away?

The Guardian - Arts

She gently spritzed the young crows with a hose, hoping they'd flutter away and spare her crop.

The New York Times - Books

The necks of the smaller flowers break and their petals flutter away, and before long they are buried underground.

The New Yorker

The butterflies of early romance quickly flutter away and are replaced by familiar, predictable feelings of long-term attachment.

The New York Times - Health

It is the bird which summer and winter wherever you are in Britain is only a flutter away from our footsteps: a worthy winner".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

One after the other, his passes fluttered away out of reach.

The Guardian - Sport

My pride fluttered away in front of me, and I felt nothing but embarrassment.

The Guardian - Opinion

But with every piece that gets sifted, turning up nothing, a little hope flutters away.

The New York Times

As it fluttered away, Joan says, these words formed in her mind: "Bye, Bob".

The New York Times - Magazine

But Estes's curveball fluttered away from him tonight, and he nibbled with his fastball.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flutter away" to describe the light, gentle movement of things like butterflies, birds, or even abstract concepts like hope or opportunities dissipating.

Common error

Be mindful of using "flutter away" only in contexts where a literal fluttering motion is plausible. Overusing it for situations involving strong, forceful movements can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flutter away" functions primarily as a verb of motion, describing how something moves, typically in a light and delicate manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flutter away" is a phrasal verb that effectively describes a gentle, fleeting movement or disappearance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and general usage in written English. With the frequent use in "News & Media", the phrase maintains a neutral formality making it adaptable to multiple writing styles. When employing "flutter away", aim to describe literal or metaphorical flight and light dissipation. Related phrases such as "drift away", "fade away", and "float away" can offer alternative ways to express the concept, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drift away

Emphasizes a slow, gradual movement or disappearance, often carried by wind or water.

float away

Implies a gentle, effortless movement through the air.

fly off

Focuses on the action of taking flight and departing rapidly.

take flight

Highlights the initial action of beginning to fly and escape.

fade away

Suggests a gradual loss of intensity, prominence, or visibility.

vanish

Highlights the complete disappearance of something from sight or existence.

soar away

Suggests a powerful and upward movement.

slip away

Implies a quiet and unnoticed departure.

escape

Focuses on the act of breaking free from confinement or danger.

disappear

Highlights the state of no longer being visible.

FAQs

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

You can use "flutter away" to describe something light and delicate moving through the air, such as "The butterfly "fluttered away" into the garden", or metaphorically, like "Hopes "fluttered away" as the bad news arrived".

What does "flutter away" mean?

"Flutter away" describes a light, gentle, and often quick movement of something that flies or fades, typically suggesting a sense of delicacy or transience.

What are some phrases similar to "flutter away"?

Alternatives to "flutter away" include "drift away", "fade away", or "float away", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "flutter away" in formal writing?

Yes, "flutter away" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when used metaphorically. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately. In highly technical or scientific contexts, a more precise term might be preferable.