seep away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seep away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something gradually disappearing or being lost over time, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the years went by, the memories of that summer began to seep away, leaving only faint echoes of laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I felt the tension between us seep away.

The New York Times

Faith in Drew's ability to handle the crisis started to seep away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Towards the middle of the 17th century, Spain's power was beginning to seep away.

The Guardian - Arts

As an electrical conductor, the carbon helps any charges building up in the insulator to seep away.

The Economist

The buoyant, productive atmosphere that had characterized our culture for years, even in tough times, began to seep away.

Harvard Business Review

She cannot watch her authority and credibility seep away every day as new scandals and threats emerge.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

And vitality is always seeping away".

The New York Times

"It just seeps away bit by bit.

The New York Times - Sports

Thus the legitimacy of the Bourbon monarchy seeped away.

The Economist

Without full control of their territory, legitimacy seeps away.

The Economist

At times, he has felt his hope seeping away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seep away" to describe the gradual loss of something intangible, like confidence, hope, or authority. It effectively conveys a subtle and persistent decline.

Common error

The phrase "seep away" implies a slow, almost imperceptible process. Avoid using it to describe events where the loss is sudden or catastrophic; instead, use words like "vanish", "disappear", or "collapse".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "seep away" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing a gradual process of something diminishing or disappearing. Ludwig AI's examples show how it's used to depict the slow decline of intangible qualities like confidence, authority, or energy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seep away" is a phrasal verb that describes a gradual loss or decline, primarily used in neutral to formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. When writing, use "seep away" to illustrate a slow and subtle decrease, ensuring it aligns with the nuanced meaning of the phrase. Consider alternatives like "fade away" or "drain away" depending on the specific context. Avoid using it for sudden or dramatic losses. With this understanding, writers can confidently and accurately incorporate "seep away" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drain away

Indicates a gradual emptying or depletion, similar to something "seeping away".

fade away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or weakening of something, like a memory or feeling.

ebb away

Implies a gradual receding or decline, often used in reference to tides or energy.

leak away

Describes a slow and unintended loss of something, such as information or resources.

dissipate

Suggests a scattering or vanishing of something, like vapor or energy.

trickle away

Indicates a very slow and gradual loss, drop by drop.

dwindle

Implies a gradual decrease in size or amount.

vanish gradually

Describes a slow and imperceptible disappearance.

diminish slowly

Suggests a reduction in size, importance, or intensity over time.

erode gradually

Implies a slow wearing away or destruction, often used in a metaphorical sense.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seep away" is often used to describe the gradual loss of something intangible. For example, "As the project dragged on, morale began to "seep away"".

What are some alternatives to "seep away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fade away", "drain away", or "ebb away" to express a similar meaning of gradual loss or disappearance.

Is it correct to use "seep away" in a formal context?

Yes, "seep away" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the subtle and progressive decline of something like power or influence. It is used in many news and media publications.

What is the difference between "seep away" and "disappear"?

"Seep away" implies a gradual and often unnoticed process of diminishing, while "disappear" suggests a more sudden and complete vanishing. If you say "His confidence "seeped away"", it means his confidence gradually declined. If you say "His confidence disappeared", it means it vanished suddenly.