might fade away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might fade away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something gradually disappearing or losing significance over time. Example: "If we don't address the issue soon, our chances of success might fade away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I'm hopeful that it might fade away.

The Guardian - Music

Barney replies: If England score first I suspect Ukraine might fade away.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of the current slowdown might be a result of temporary factors that might fade away, like fluctuations in how factories stock their inventories or the lingering effects of the hurricane.

The New York Times

Alex Salmond, leader of the SNP, was bound to have a masterplan for the 12 months leading up to the referendum on 18 September next year, Marr said: "He is some kind of political genius," he said, adding that the notion that Salmond might fade away politically after an overwhelming no vote was "beyond ordinary physics".

The Guardian

But with imperfect facial recognition and an unfamiliar sharing style, Moments might fade away or get rolled into the main Facebook app.

TechCrunch

There was a moment in the wake of the Big Witch House Boom of the late aughts and early 2010s that it seemed like the genre might fade away entirely.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A day after Napster suffered a crippling legal blow, officials within the company scrambled to chart a legal and business future, while skeptical industry analysts said Napster might never become profitable, and might eventually fade away.

The New York Times

Before Tuesday's game, several Cardinals pondered the Pirates' fortunes and whether the team might just fade away in the final weeks of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Left to market forces, so-so brands such as Levi's might well fade away and be replaced by fresher labels.

The Economist

Uncertainty provides just the sort of environment in which rumors thrive, of course, and the Internet by its very nature tends to incubate ideas that might otherwise fade away.

The New York Times - Arts

Of the United Nations, another one of their nemeses, they write, "The U.N. regularly broadcasts a spectacle as dishonest and morally deadening as a Stalinist show trial, a televised ritual of condemnation that inflames hatreds and sustains quarrels that might otherwise fade away".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might fade away" to express a possibility, rather than a certainty, that something will gradually disappear or lose importance. This phrasing adds a layer of uncertainty or hope that the fading may not occur.

Common error

Avoid using "might fade away" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "could diminish" or "may disappear". Choose vocabulary that aligns with the tone and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might fade away" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or uncertainty about a gradual disappearance or decline. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests something could diminish over time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "might fade away" is a modal verb phrase that suggests a possibility of something gradually disappearing or losing significance. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "might fade away" isn't overly formal, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts, and less so in academic or business settings. Consider alternatives like "could disappear" or "may diminish" depending on the desired nuance and formality. Remember, using "might fade away" implies uncertainty rather than a definitive prediction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might gradually vanish

Highlights the gradual nature of the disappearance.

could eventually disappear

Emphasizes the finality of the disappearance over time.

could disappear

Emphasizes the possibility of vanishing entirely, which is a stronger connotation.

may diminish

Focuses on the reduction in size, importance, or intensity, suggesting a less complete disappearance.

might slowly decline

Suggests a progressive reduction in quality or quantity.

might dissipate

Suggests a scattering or dissolving, implying a more diffuse disappearance.

could peter out

Implies a gradual decline to nothing, often used for events or activities.

may wane

Focuses on a decrease in strength or intensity, often used for emotions or influence.

may lose relevance

Shifts the focus to a decrease in importance or applicability.

could become obsolete

Suggests that something is no longer in use or relevant due to new technology or practices.

FAQs

How can I use "might fade away" in a sentence?

You can use "might fade away" to express the possibility that something will gradually disappear or lose significance. For example: "If we don't address the issue soon, our chances of success "might fade away".

What can I say instead of "might fade away"?

You can use alternatives like "could disappear", "may diminish", or "might dissipate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "might fade away" or "will fade away"?

"Might fade away" indicates a possibility, while "will fade away" suggests a higher degree of certainty. The choice depends on the level of confidence you want to convey.

What's the difference between "might fade away" and "could fade away"?

Both "might fade away" and "could fade away" express possibility, but "could" can sometimes imply a slightly higher probability or conditionality compared to "might".