move out of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move out of sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of something or someone becoming no longer visible or being hidden from view. Example: "As the sun set, the boat slowly moved out of sight beyond the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The hooded man was about to move out of sight, turning into his street.

The New Yorker

"This behavior is probably pretty widespread, because it is an effective way to quickly move out of sight for small animals," Full said.

University of California, Berkeley

Studio mirrors are canted out from the bottom to increase their vertical range, so that dancers can't move out of sight in jumps and lifts.

The New York Times - Arts

"The difficulty is in getting a continuing moving image – so we know how the Taliban cross terrain and how they suddenly move out of sight in the mountains".

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonetheless, Boeing executives were expected to go ahead with the 7E7 project, simply because they would otherwise see Airbus Industrie, their global rival, move out of sight in a vapor trail ahead of them.

The New York Times

As Smith and Finch traded sixes, Australia looked set to move out of sight, but Smith's hook to deep square leg off Yadav signalled a slowing of the pace.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Once a user moves out of sight, the robot may fail to monitor the emotional states.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

First, the apparatus could disrupt visual feedback because the meat moved out of sight during string pulling.

Plosone

In Ramallah, too, at least for the duration of the parliament meeting, Israeli forces have moved out of sight.

The Economist

I had moved out of sight into a dip in the ground beside the spinney when the shooting began.

The Guardian

There are many discoveries to made if you think to look, but we need to start looking before the evidence is moved out of sight or obliterated.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move out of sight" when you want to describe a physical action of something becoming no longer visible. For example, use it to describe an object disappearing over the horizon or someone stepping behind a wall.

Common error

Avoid using "move out of sight" in purely abstract contexts where something is forgotten or ignored. Instead, use phrases like "fall out of favor" or "be disregarded".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move out of sight" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating a physical action where something becomes no longer visible. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, which often involve movement and visual perception.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move out of sight" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the action of something becoming no longer visible due to movement or obstruction. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into news, scientific, and general contexts. While it's effective for clear descriptions, writers should be mindful of its literal meaning and avoid overuse in purely abstract situations. Alternatives such as "disappear from view" or "vanish from sight" can offer nuanced replacements. The primary function is descriptive, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappear from view

Emphasizes the action of ceasing to be visible.

vanish from sight

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance.

become invisible

Highlights the state of being unseen.

go out of view

Focuses on leaving the range of vision.

recede from view

Implies a gradual movement away from sight.

escape observation

Stresses the act of avoiding being seen or noticed.

pass from sight

Suggests a transition out of visual range.

fade from view

Indicates a gradual lessening of visibility.

slip away unnoticed

Highlights the stealthy aspect of disappearing.

lose visibility

Focuses on the decreasing ability to be seen.

FAQs

How can I use "move out of sight" in a sentence?

You can use "move out of sight" to describe the act of becoming no longer visible. For instance: "The ship slowly moved out of sight over the horizon" or "The suspect quickly moved out of sight after the crime".

What are some alternatives to "move out of sight"?

Alternatives include "disappear from view", "vanish from sight", or "become invisible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "move out of sight" in formal writing?

Yes, "move out of sight" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or vivid term might be suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "move out of sight" and "disappear"?

"Disappear" is a more general term for ceasing to be visible. "Move out of sight" specifically implies that the disappearance is due to movement, either of the object itself or of the observer.