recedes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "recedes" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe when something becomes farther away or less visible. For example: "The tide receded and exposed the sandy shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I said, 'Ooh, I like your braces!' Could you ever have imagined saying something like that before?" But as the American century recedes ever further into memory, a new and fascinating shift is taking place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And once the euphoria and Diana-esque hysteria that surrounded Barack Obama's inauguration recedes, the Irish government soon may be facing a president more committed to American protectionism than an open economy, to a White House that will punish US companies that seek to set up in Dublin rather than Detroit or Cork rather than Chicago.

The Guardian

Every time the OBR crunches its numbers the peak rises and the happy horizon at which the government's pile of IOUs starts to shrink recedes.

The Economist

But his position may yet suffer if the immediate Russian military threat recedes and Georgia negotiates the terms of a permanent ceasefire.Russia has said it cannot accept the deployment of Georgian peacekeeping troops alongside Russian ones in South Ossetia, as suggested by France, after the past five days of fighting.

The Economist

As the big shock to confidence recedes and people become less worried about the economic outlook, precautionary saving may become less intense.

The Economist

Love in the PRI Peace recedes ReprintsThe only victor from the breakdown of the talks is the AUC.

The Economist

Now, as violence recedes and public-sector cuts begin to bite, Northern Ireland is trying to rebalance its economy by encouraging foreign investment.

The Economist

They are caused by the Doppler effect, a phenomenon familiar on Earth as the change in pitch of a police-car or ambulance siren as the vehicle approaches and then recedes.

The Economist

Even if the wave recedes leaving nothing but a mess, it has undermined any assumptions of rule by divine right.

The Economist

Men fish for their livelihoods and, as the river recedes from its annual flooding, women and children go about tilling the alluvial soil for cultivation.Most are dressed in their traditional bright colours.

The Economist

(An everyday example of this effect is the change of pitch of an ambulance siren as it approaches and recedes).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recedes" to describe a gradual movement away or a diminishing presence, particularly when discussing abstract concepts like influence, threats, or economic trends.

Common error

Avoid using "recedes" when the subject is actively causing something to move away. "Recedes" typically describes something that diminishes or moves back on its own.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recedes" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. According to Ludwig AI, it describes an action of moving back or diminishing. This use aligns with examples showing abstract concepts such as threats or influence diminishing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "recedes" functions as a verb, indicating a gradual movement away or a diminishing presence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across different registers, with a higher prevalence in News & Media sources. The analysis suggests using "recedes" to describe a gradual reduction or diminishing of something abstract like influence or threats. Related phrases like "diminishes" and "retreats" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Understanding the subject's role is critical to avoid misuse, ensuring that the subject isn't actively causing the recession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishes

Indicates a gradual decrease or reduction in size, extent, or importance; focuses on the lessening aspect.

retreats

Implies a withdrawal or moving back, often from a forward position or previous state; emphasizes the backward movement.

withdraws

Suggests a removal or pulling back from a place or situation; highlights the act of taking something away.

lessens

Indicates a decrease in amount, intensity, or degree; centers on the reduction in magnitude.

abates

Refers to a reduction in intensity or degree, especially of something unpleasant; emphasizes the subsiding of something negative.

subsides

Indicates a decrease in intensity or activity, often after a period of increase; highlights the calming down or settling of something.

ebbs

Suggests a gradual decline or weakening, often used in reference to tides or other flowing substances; emphasizes the outflowing or receding motion.

falls back

Indicates a movement to a previous or less advanced position; emphasizes the backward or downward motion.

draws back

Implies a pulling away or moving back, often cautiously or reluctantly; emphasizes the act of retracting.

tapers off

Indicates a gradual reduction in size, amount, or intensity; highlights the gradual decrease to a minimal level.

FAQs

How can I use "recedes" in a sentence?

Use "recedes" to describe something that gradually moves away or diminishes. For example, "As the tide "recedes", it leaves behind seashells on the shore".

What are some alternatives to "recedes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "diminishes", "retreats", or "withdraws" instead of "recedes".

Is it correct to say "the threat recedes"?

Yes, it's correct. "The threat "recedes"" means the threat is diminishing or becoming less imminent.

What's the difference between "recedes" and "retreats"?

"Recedes" often implies a gradual diminishing or moving back, while "retreats" suggests a more deliberate or strategic withdrawal.