in the dust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the dust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey a sense of being left behind, forgotten, or in a state of neglect. Example: "After the new technology was introduced, many traditional methods were left in the dust."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But Depp left him in the dust.

Independent

Ladies leave men in the dust.

The Guardian - Music

Tank tracks were visible in the dust.

The New York Times

We were in the dust.

The Guardian

Women sit in the dust, crying.

The Guardian

There may be bacteria in the dust.

The New York Times

Each one lies broken in the dust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where tribal folk lore is crushed in the dust.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I'm decidedly in the dust-off-a-smooth-rock camp.

Vice

"They leave the US in the dust," she said.

BBC

The dead bird lay in the dust.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the dust" to vividly describe situations where something or someone has been completely overshadowed or rendered irrelevant by a more powerful force or event. For example: "The smaller companies were left "in the dust" by the tech giant's rapid expansion."

Common error

Avoid using "in the dust" literally when describing a simple physical location containing dust. The phrase is most effective when used figuratively to convey a sense of being left behind or defeated. For example, instead of saying "The old toys were "in the dust" in the attic", consider "The old toys were gathering dust in the attic" if you mean it literally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the dust" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a state of being left behind, forgotten, or defeated. It often adds a sense of finality or insignificance, as seen in Ludwig examples where companies or technologies are "left "in the dust"" by newer advancements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the dust" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that conveys a sense of being left behind, forgotten, or in a state of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "in the dust", remember its figurative meaning to effectively express obsolescence or defeat. To broaden your vocabulary, consider alternatives like "left behind" or "forgotten" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding these subtle distinctions, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left behind

Focuses on the act of being surpassed or abandoned.

in obscurity

Emphasizes a state of being unknown or forgotten.

in ruins

Highlights a state of destruction or decay.

consigned to oblivion

Implies a more permanent and complete state of being forgotten.

fallen into disuse

Suggests something is no longer being used or maintained.

become obsolete

Indicates something is outdated and no longer relevant.

in the wake

Focuses on the consequences or aftermath of an event, often implying a destructive impact.

in the shadows

Highlights a state of being hidden or unnoticed.

bygone era

Refers to a past time that is now over and largely forgotten.

passed into history

Indicates something is now part of the past and no longer active.

FAQs

How can I use "in the dust" in a sentence?

You can use "in the dust" to describe something that has been left behind or overshadowed, for example, "The older technology was left "in the dust" by newer innovations".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in the dust"?

Alternatives include "left behind", "forgotten", or "obsolete", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in the dust"?

Yes, "in the dust" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase and is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

What's the difference between "in the dust" and "in the dirt"?

"In the dust" often implies being left behind or defeated, while "in the dirt" typically refers to a literal location or a state of being dishonored. While both involve particulate matter, their connotations differ significantly. For example, "in the dirt" refers to the ground, whereas "in the dust" implies defeat.