leak away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leak away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the gradual escape or loss of a substance, often referring to liquids or information. Example: "The old pipe began to leak away water, causing damage to the surrounding area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But when disaster strikes the cash can quickly leak away.

The Economist

Currents thus leak away, and signals are degraded.

The Economist

Currents thus leak away, and signals are degraded.Other people, though, see opportunity instead.

The Economist

If these cuts do not happen, fragile confidence may leak away again.

The Economist

In this country, we take water for granted – the water companies just let it leak away.

Independent

Results indicate our leakage-aware energy-synchronized control can effectively utilize energy that could otherwise leak away.

Ad Hoc Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Still, with scandal only a single iCloud-leak away, perhaps the UK is better away waiting a bit longer to see how safe Apple Pay really is.

Independent

"You just see the money leaking away".

The New York Times

The hostility had leaked away, leaving — what?

The New Yorker

They have watched hope for a better future leaking away.

The Guardian

A comment about pregnancy while yours is still leaking away.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leak away" to describe a gradual and often unwanted loss of something, be it a physical substance like water or an abstract concept like confidence. For example, 'If these cuts do not happen, fragile confidence may leak away again'.

Common error

Avoid using "leak away" to describe a sudden or abrupt disappearance. The phrase implies a gradual process, so using it in contexts where something vanishes instantly would be inaccurate. For example, instead of saying 'The money leaked away after the scam', consider saying 'The money disappeared after the scam'.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "leak away" primarily functions as a verb of process, describing a gradual and often unwanted loss or dissipation. Ludwig examples show it used across diverse contexts, from financial losses to abstract concepts like confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "leak away" effectively describes a gradual and often undesirable loss or dissipation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and sees use across various contexts. While versatile, remember that it signifies a process happening over time rather than an instantaneous disappearance. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, and its prevalence in news and media confirms its widespread understanding and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drain away

Implies a more directed or controlled outflow, often of liquids.

seep away

Suggests a slow and gradual leakage, often through porous material.

trickle away

Describes a very slow and continuous loss, drop by drop.

dissipate

Refers to the scattering or fading away of something, often energy or emotions.

fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or weakening, often of sound or light.

evaporate

Specifically refers to a liquid turning into a vapor and disappearing.

ebb away

Evokes the image of a receding tide, suggesting a gradual decline.

escape

Indicates a release or outflow, often implying a containment breach.

slip away

To leave or disappear quietly or unnoticed.

filter out

To gradually remove unwanted elements, often unintentionally.

FAQs

How can I use "leak away" in a sentence?

The phrase "leak away" describes a gradual loss or dissipation. For instance, "If the container isn't sealed properly, the liquid will leak away", or "Without proper security measures, data can leak away over time".

What does "leak away" mean?

The phrase "leak away" means to gradually escape or disappear, often referring to a substance, resource, or abstract quality that diminishes over time. It suggests a slow and often unwanted loss.

What are some alternatives to "leak away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "drain away", "seep away", "dissipate", or "fade away".

Is it correct to say "leaked away"?

Yes, "leaked away" is the past tense form of "leak away" and is grammatically correct. For example, "Much of the company's profit leaked away due to mismanagement".