grown stale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grown stale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has become uninteresting, outdated, or no longer fresh, often in relation to ideas, relationships, or food. Example: "After years of the same routine, our conversations have grown stale and lack excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their love has grown stale.

The New Yorker

Although it has grown stale, it was harmless.

The New York Times - Sports

She said the behaviour has "grown stale and tiresome".

Independent

The NBA three-point contest has grown stale.

The Washington Post

He has not, to say the least, grown stale.

The New York Times

They acknowledge that their sport may have grown stale.

The New York Times - Sports

Plenty of television shows aren't very good or have been around so long they've grown stale.

The New York Times - Arts

Pundits speculating that Mr Wilders's politics had grown stale may have written him off too early.

The Economist

But the festival's offerings have grown stale in the eyes of many.

The New York Times - Arts

Too many boomers, the polls show, have grown stale, darkly cynical, disgusted by their jobs.

The New York Times

Things that had grown stale from familiarity now drew his attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grown stale" to describe situations, relationships, or creative works that have lost their freshness or appeal over time. Ensure the context clearly indicates what has become outdated or uninteresting.

Common error

Avoid using "grown stale" when you mean something has physically spoiled. The phrase is best used metaphorically to describe something that has lost its novelty or appeal, not its literal freshness. For a spoiled cake, use 'spoiled', 'rancid' or 'moldy' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grown stale" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, often modifying nouns or pronouns to indicate a state of decline or loss of freshness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is widely used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grown stale" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has lost its freshness, appeal, or effectiveness over time. It is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from News & Media to Academia, though it is most frequently found in journalistic writing. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. While alternatives like "become tedious" or "lost its appeal" exist, "grown stale" offers a nuanced way to convey a sense of decline or weariness, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Be mindful to use it metaphorically, focusing on intangible qualities rather than physical spoilage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become tedious

Focuses more on the boredom or lack of interest that results.

lost its appeal

Emphasizes the reduction in attractiveness or desirability.

become uninspired

Highlights the lack of creativity or motivation.

turned tiresome

Stresses the increasing annoyance or weariness.

lost its novelty

Specifically refers to the fading of initial excitement or newness.

become old hat

Indicates something is outdated or no longer fashionable.

become commonplace

Suggests something has become ordinary and unremarkable.

become hackneyed

Implies overuse and a lack of originality.

become run-down

Conveys a sense of decline and deterioration.

lost its edge

Focuses on the reduction in sharpness, effectiveness, or competitive advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "grown stale" in a sentence?

You can use "grown stale" to describe anything that has lost its freshness, excitement, or appeal. For example, "Their relationship had "grown stale" after many years", or "The political debate has "grown stale" with repeated arguments".

What are some alternatives to "grown stale"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "become tedious", "lost its appeal", or "become uninspired" to convey a similar meaning. For instance, the phrase "become tedious" focuses on the boredom or lack of interest that results.

Is it appropriate to use "grown stale" in formal writing?

Yes, "grown stale" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing abstract concepts or situations that have declined in quality or interest. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and style.

What's the difference between "grown stale" and "become outdated"?

"Grown stale" implies a loss of freshness or appeal, often due to overuse or repetition. "Become outdated" focuses more on something becoming obsolete or no longer current. While similar, "become outdated" is more specific to relevance or currency, while ""grown stale"" focuses on a decline in enjoyment or effectiveness.