has gone stale

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "has gone stale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, idea, food, or anything that has become outdated, overused, boring, or no longer fresh. For example: "The joke has gone stale and the audience is no longer laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

This was a parody, and twenty years later, it has gone stale".

The New Yorker

It was clearer than ever that the series's long-standing revue format has gone stale.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not that skating has gone stale in Westchester or is booming in New Jersey.

The New York Times

He has developed a new type of electronic nose that can, among other things, tell when wine has gone stale.

The Economist

The intellectual air has gone stale in Egypt from too many years of controlled press and authoritarian politics.

The New York Times

He said the Avants case is "laden with risks," because witnesses have died and evidence has gone stale.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The method had gone stale.

The New York Times - Magazine

By that time the atmosphere in Tampa Bay had gone stale.

The New York Times - Sports

It was always filled with gingersnaps that had gone stale in the shop.

The New Yorker

Dealing and Reality The oranges had gone stale in the window long ago.

The New York Times

Maybe some of the patter and the mime have gone stale.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has gone stale", consider whether a more specific term might better convey the nuance you intend. For example, instead of saying 'the strategy has gone stale', you could say 'the strategy has become ineffective' or 'the strategy has become outdated'.

Common error

Avoid using "has gone stale" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal or colloquial for such contexts. Opt for more sophisticated or precise alternatives like "has become obsolete" or "has lost its efficacy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone stale" functions as a stative verb phrase, describing a state of decline or loss of freshness. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound and commonly used. For instance, describing food, ideas, or relationships that are no longer appealing or effective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has gone stale" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that has lost its freshness, appeal, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "has become obsolete" or "has lost its efficacy" in academic or highly formal contexts. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing between "has gone stale" and its alternatives, such as "has become uninteresting" or "has become outdated". Avoid overusing "has gone stale" in formal contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become uninteresting

Focuses on the loss of interest or excitement.

has lost its appeal

Emphasizes the diminished attractiveness or charm.

has turned boring

Highlights the onset of tedium or lack of stimulation.

has become outdated

Stresses the irrelevance or obsolescence.

has lost its edge

Indicates a reduction in sharpness, effectiveness, or competitive advantage.

has become ineffective

Focuses on the inability to produce the desired result.

has lost its novelty

Highlights the disappearance of newness or originality.

has become tedious

Emphasizes the tiresome or monotonous nature.

has passed its prime

Indicates a decline from the best or most successful period.

has become cliché

Focuses on overused or trite quality.

FAQs

How can I use "has gone stale" in a sentence?

You can use "has gone stale" to describe something that is no longer fresh, interesting, or effective. For example, "The joke "has gone stale" after being repeated so many times" or "Their relationship "has gone stale" due to lack of communication".

What are some alternatives to "has gone stale"?

Alternatives include phrases like "has become uninteresting", "has lost its appeal", or "has become outdated", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has gone stale" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "has gone stale" may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "has become obsolete" or "has lost its efficacy" in such cases.

What does it mean when something "has gone stale"?

When something "has gone stale", it means it has lost its freshness, appeal, or effectiveness. This can apply to various things, such as food, ideas, relationships, or strategies. It suggests a decline in quality or interest over time.