peter out

USAGE SUMMARY

'peter out' is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that gradually becomes weaker and weaker until it eventually disappears. For example, "The party petered out around midnight when most of the guests had gone home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All storms peter out, though.

The New York Times - Arts

The satire seems to peter out halfway through.

The New Yorker

Will Europe as we know it just peter out?

The New York Times - Magazine

But hopefully that will peter out," she adds, drily.

The Guardian - Music

Output peaked in 2002 and may peter out in a decade.

The Economist

The last thing they need is for the DVD boom to peter out so soon.

The Economist

Other gains, such as those from commodities, may eventually peter out, though not for a while.

The Economist

Political parties peter out, as the Whigs and Know-Nothings attest.

The New York Times

But "somewhere between January and June, the rally will probably peter out," he said.

The New York Times

Our good bits of play tend to peter out at the edge of the box.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But if I watch and listen with curiosity, the negativity begins to peter-out.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peter out" to describe the gradual decline of something, like enthusiasm, resources, or a trend. It implies a natural and progressive weakening.

Common error

Don't use "peter out" to describe something that ends abruptly or unexpectedly. It is more appropriate for processes that gradually diminish, not those that halt immediately.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "peter out" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating that the subject performs the action without acting upon a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse sentence structures, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "peter out" describes something that gradually diminishes or ceases. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various domains, particularly in News & Media. It's essential to note its function as an intransitive verb and the subtle distinction from terms like "disappear", which suggests a more abrupt ending. This analysis, leveraging Ludwig's insights and example sentences, offers a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use "peter out" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dwindle

Focuses on a gradual reduction in size or amount.

fade away

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance or loss of visibility.

taper off

Highlights a gradual decrease in intensity or quantity.

die down

Suggests a decrease in activity or excitement.

subside

Implies a calming down or settling after a period of activity.

ebb

Describes a gradual decline or weakening, often used metaphorically.

weaken

Focuses on a loss of strength or power.

dissipate

Highlights a scattering or vanishing, often used for intangible things.

come to nothing

Indicates a failure to achieve a desired outcome or result.

evaporate

Suggests a complete and sudden disappearance.

FAQs

How can I use "peter out" in a sentence?

You can use "peter out" to describe something that gradually diminishes or disappears. For example, "The initial excitement for the project began to "peter out" after a few weeks".

What's a good alternative to "peter out"?

Alternatives to "peter out" include "dwindle", "fade away", or "taper off". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "petered out"?

Yes, "petered out" is the past tense form of "peter out" and is grammatically correct. For example, "The storm "petered out" by morning".

What is the difference between "peter out" and "disappear"?

"Peter out" implies a gradual decline, while "disappear" suggests a more sudden vanishing. Something that "peters out" loses strength or intensity over time before ceasing completely, whereas something that "disappears" can vanish quickly.