got eroded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got eroded" is not standard in written English; it would be more appropriate to use "was eroded." You can use it when describing something that has been worn away or diminished over time, typically in a geological or metaphorical context.
Example: "The coastline got eroded due to the constant battering of the waves."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their "unrealness" gave them an androgynous texture that got eroded with the universalization of the "Mahabharata" and the "Ramayana" in which androgyny is absent.

The New York Times

We want to say that this arch formed as igneous rock, that it's a lava formation that got eroded, but it's fracturing out along the crystal planes of minerals".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over the years, however, it gets eroded.

The Economist

It would be a shame if that gets eroded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some coastal areas still get eroded seriously with structures being damaged.

Ocean & Coastal Management

On Earth, however, small craters are rare because they quickly get eroded by weather and water.

MIT Technology Review

Eventually that will get eroded and you will succumb to the need to trade — often at a lower price than when you initially became anxious.

The New York Times

But the unions worry that these get eroded when job descriptions change, and that new employees can be hired on much less advantageous terms, creating a two-tier workforce.

The Economist

If we want to keep it strong, the Government has to tighten up policy areas to make sure we don't get eroded by the unintended consequences of competition".

Independent

When we outsource war to private military contractors, and when we have separate, shorter lines for airport security for those who can afford them, the result is that the affluent and those of modest means live increasingly separate lives, and the class-mixing institutions and public spaces that forge a sense of common experience and shared citizenship get eroded.

The New York Times

In 1995 he took the 1971 painting Ground - a flatly painted, diagrammatic ariel view of the pitch's baseline inside the goalkeeper's area - and rubbed away at a spot inside the goal, just as the grass on the pitch itself gets eroded and rubbed away by the goalie's boots.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "got eroded" is understandable, prefer "was eroded" in formal writing for greater precision and adherence to standard grammatical conventions. "Got" as an auxiliary can often introduce ambiguity or lack of clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "got eroded" in academic papers, business reports, or other formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated and precise alternatives like "was diminished", "suffered degradation", or "underwent corrosion" to enhance the credibility and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got eroded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something has undergone a process of wearing away or diminishing. It describes a state resulting from an action. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is acceptable but less formal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got eroded" describes a process of gradual decline or wearing away. While grammatically acceptable, it's considered less formal and precise than alternatives like "was eroded". Ludwig indicates that "got eroded" is not standard in written English; it would be more appropriate to use "was eroded". Its usage is relatively rare, appearing mainly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. In formal writing, it's best to opt for more sophisticated and precise language. While understandable in conversation, consider using alternatives such as "was worn away" or "became diminished" for improved clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was worn away

More formal and standard alternative, emphasizing the physical process of erosion.

became diminished

Focuses on the reduction in size, quality, or importance.

suffered degradation

Highlights a decline in quality or condition, often in a moral or ethical sense.

underwent corrosion

Implies a chemical or gradual destructive process.

was undermined

Suggests a weakening or destabilization from below or a hidden cause.

saw its value decline

Specifically refers to a decrease in worth or significance.

became depleted

Emphasizes the exhaustion or emptying of something.

deteriorated over time

Highlights the gradual nature of the decline.

was gradually destroyed

Emphasizes the finality of the wearing away, leading to destruction

lost its integrity

Focuses on the loss of wholeness or soundness.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "got eroded"?

In formal writing, you can replace "got eroded" with phrases such as "was eroded", "became diminished", or "deteriorated over time".

Is "got eroded" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "got eroded" is less formal and less precise than alternatives like "was eroded". Its suitability depends on the context and desired tone.

How does the meaning of "got eroded" differ from "was eroded"?

The difference is subtle. "Was eroded" is generally considered more formal and direct, whereas "got eroded" can imply a more gradual or passive process. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

Can "got eroded" be used to describe non-physical things?

Yes, "got eroded" can be used metaphorically to describe the gradual decline or weakening of intangible things such as trust, confidence, or values. For example: "Their trust got eroded over time."