melts away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "melts away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that gradually disappears or diminishes, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the sun sets, the stress of the day melts away, leaving me in a state of tranquility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time melts away.

The New Yorker

Tension melts away.

The New York Times

"But snow in a can melts away".

The New York Times

Arctic ice now melts away in summer.

The Economist

When snow falls, it melts away.

The New Yorker

"But then people meet Chris, and that skepticism melts away".

The New York Times - Sports

It sort of melts away, a tingling memory.

The New York Times - Arts

From this vantage point, any sense of voyeurism melts away.

The New Yorker

As lawmakers dither, public support for action melts away.

The New Yorker

But any awkwardness melts away when he sings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

His followers melted away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "melts away" to describe a gradual disappearance or diminishing of something, especially in metaphorical contexts such as emotions, problems, or resistance. For instance, "The tension in the room melts away as soon as she starts speaking."

Common error

Avoid using "melts away" when describing a physical object that melts and completely disappears very quickly. It is more appropriate for gradual or metaphorical disappearances. Saying "The ice cube melts away in seconds" might be technically correct, but consider alternatives like "The ice cube disappears" or "The ice cube melts rapidly" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "melts away" functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically to describe the gradual disappearance or lessening of something intangible, such as fear, tension, or resistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "melts away" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase, idiomatically employed to describe the gradual disappearance or lessening of something, particularly intangible entities like emotions, resistance, or problems. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is deemed grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Its primary function is to evoke a sense of relief or resolution. While appropriate for diverse contexts, it's most commonly found in News & Media, and less so in formal scientific writing. Be mindful to use it in cases where a gradual disappearance or easing is intended, as opposed to a rapid or forceful vanishing. Alternatives include "dissipates", "fades", and "vanishes", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappears gradually

More explicit and less metaphorical, it directly states the act of disappearing over time, similar to the gradual implication of "melts away".

fades

Emphasizes a gradual loss of intensity or visibility, similar to "melts away" but more focused on the diminishing aspect.

dissipates

Focuses on the act of scattering or vanishing, suggesting a more forceful disappearance than "melts away".

diminishes

Focuses on a reduction in size, importance, or intensity, conveying a gradual decrease similar to "melts away".

vanishes

Indicates a sudden and complete disappearance, implying a more immediate vanishing than "melts away".

dissolves

Implies a breaking down or disintegration into a solution, sharing the idea of gradual disappearance with "melts away".

evaporates

Suggests a transformation from a liquid or solid state to a vaporous state, metaphorically implying a complete disappearance similar to "melts away".

lessens

Highlights a decrease in intensity or amount, indicating a reduction similar to the effect of "melts away".

subsides

Implies a calming down or settling, often used for emotions or disturbances, similar to the lessening effect of "melts away".

wanes

Indicates a decline in power or influence, suggesting a gradual decrease similar to "melts away" but with a focus on strength or importance.

FAQs

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

The phrase "melts away" is used to describe a gradual disappearance or diminishing of something, often metaphorically. For example, "All my worries "melt away" when I listen to music", or "The initial skepticism "melts away" once people understand the project".

What's a good alternative to "melts away"?

Alternatives to "melts away" include "dissipates", "fades", or "vanishes". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "melt away" instead of "melts away"?

The correct form depends on the subject. "Melt away" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The ice cubes melt away"), while "melts away" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The snow melts away").

What is the difference between "melts away" and "fades away"?

"Melts away" suggests a gradual disappearance, often implying a softening or easing of something. "Fades away", on the other hand, emphasizes a loss of intensity or visibility over time. Use "melts away" when the diminishing involves a release or easing, and "fades away" when the emphasis is on weakening or becoming less noticeable.