has worn away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has worn away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has gradually eroded or diminished over time. Example: "The inscription on the old gravestone has worn away, making it difficult to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Time has worn away some of its old values.

The New York Times

But the social and economic mobility of the past century has worn away at that interconnectedness.

The New York Times

The attrition of addiction has worn away their personalities, leaving just a gaping, unlovely need.

The Guardian - Film

I suffer from a pain in my shoulders where the bone has worn away.

The Guardian

In Paris, where Teffi and many other Russian refugees settle, the fur has worn away completely.

The New Yorker

Lawlessness on reservations, and the inability of the federal government to reduce crime, has worn away trust there.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mine had worn away.

The New Yorker

Time and neglect have worn away much that was there.

The New York Times

But the red stains have worn away, and now they are all the color of ivory.

The New York Times - Arts

The top of it was bumpy where the varnish had worn away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sixty years of cohabitation have worn away the relationship's sharp edges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has worn away", ensure the context clearly indicates a gradual process of erosion, decay, or diminution over time. For example, "The constant friction has worn away the tire tread."

Common error

Avoid using "has worn away" when describing sudden or abrupt changes. This phrase is most appropriate for processes that occur slowly and steadily. For instance, instead of "The impact has worn away the metal", consider "The impact damaged the metal" if the change was immediate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has worn away" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It typically modifies a noun, indicating that the subject has undergone a gradual process of erosion, degradation, or diminution over time. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has worn away" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the gradual erosion or degradation of something over time. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its wide applicability across various domains, including news, science, and general knowledge. While generally neutral in tone, its specific formality may vary based on the context. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the gradual nature of the process and avoid using it for sudden changes. Alternatives like ""has eroded"" or ""has deteriorated"" can be considered for nuanced meaning. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources further validates its correctness and usefulness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has eroded

Focuses specifically on the wearing away of something by natural agents.

has deteriorated

Indicates a decline in quality or condition over time.

has diminished

Emphasizes a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

has faded

Suggests a loss of color, intensity, or vibrancy.

has disintegrated

Implies a breaking apart or decomposition into smaller components.

has crumbled

Indicates a breaking or falling apart into small fragments or pieces.

has decayed

Implies a rotting or decomposition, often used in biological contexts.

has been lost

Focuses on the disappearance or inability to find something that once existed.

has dissipated

Suggests a scattering or vanishing, often used for intangible things like energy or enthusiasm.

has abraded

Highlights the process of rubbing or scraping away.

FAQs

How can I use "has worn away" in a sentence?

You can use "has worn away" to describe the gradual erosion or degradation of something over time. For example, "The inscription on the stone "has worn away" due to years of weathering."

What are some synonyms for "has worn away"?

Alternatives to "has worn away" include "has eroded", "has deteriorated", or "has diminished". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "had worn away" instead of "has worn away"?

While both are grammatically correct, "has worn away" indicates a process that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present, whereas "had worn away" describes a process completed in the past, before another past event. For example, "The paint has worn away, so we need to repaint" versus "The paint had worn away by the time we bought the house."

What's the difference between "has worn away" and "has worn off"?

"Has worn away" suggests a physical reduction or erosion of material, while "has worn off" typically describes the loss of effectiveness or a superficial layer. For example, "The tread on the tire has worn away" versus "The medication's effects have worn off."