goes away

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes away" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a phrasal verb to mean "to leave" or "to disappear." Example: After spending a few days at the beach, Sarah's sunburn finally goes away. In this sentence, "goes away" is used to describe the sunburn disappearing or healing over time. Another example: The noise from the construction site finally goes away after the workers finish for the day. Here, "goes away" is used to describe the noise disappearing or quieting down once the workers stop working.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It never goes away.

The Guardian

It goes away".

The New Yorker

"All the tension goes away".

The New Yorker

He just never goes away.

The New York Times - Sports

The pain never goes away.

The New York Times

The chest pain goes away.

The Economist

Her grief never goes away.

The New York Times - Books

The memory never goes away.

The New York Times

Everyone giggles and goes away.

The New Yorker

"And it never goes away.

The New York Times

"The problem never goes away.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goes away" to describe the disappearance of something, whether it's a physical sensation, an emotion, or a problem. For instance: "The pain eventually goes away."

Common error

Avoid using "goes away" when a different tense is required. For example, instead of "The rain goes away yesterday", use "The rain went away yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "goes away" is as a phrasal verb. It functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of something ceasing to exist, departing, or disappearing. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, indicating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goes away" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the disappearance or cessation of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider context and choose the most appropriate tense. Alternatives such as "disappears" or "vanishes" may be more suitable for formal writing, and understanding potential misuses can improve clarity. This analysis provides a strong foundation for using "goes away" effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappears

Indicates a complete vanishing or fading from sight or existence.

vanishes

Suggests a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

fades

Implies a gradual decline or weakening before disappearing.

dissipates

Refers to scattering or dissolving, often used for intangible things like fears or doubts.

subsides

Describes a lessening or calming down, particularly of something intense like pain or a storm.

ceases

Indicates a complete stopping or termination.

departs

Signifies a physical leaving or moving away.

evaporates

Implies a transformation into vapor or thin air, often used metaphorically.

is resolved

Suggests a problem or issue is settled or disappears.

clears up

Indicates a situation improving or a problem disappearing.

FAQs

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

You can use "goes away" to describe something disappearing or ceasing to exist. For example: "The swelling eventually goes away" or "The problem never "goes away" completely".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "goes away"?

Some alternatives to "goes away" include "disappears", "vanishes", "fades", or "dissipates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "goes away"?

While grammatically correct, using "goes away" might be inappropriate in very formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. In such cases, consider alternatives like "dissipates" or "subsides".

What's the difference between "goes away" and "disappears"?

"Goes away" is a more general term for something ceasing to be present, while "disappears" often suggests a more sudden or complete vanishing. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.