sinking out of sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sinking out of sight" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe something or someone that is gradually disappearing or becoming hidden from view. Here is an example: The sun was setting over the horizon, sinking out of sight behind the mountains.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The coast is sinking out of sight," Oliver Houck has said.

The New Yorker

He is swimming through them, his story emerging stroke by stroke, then sinking out of sight, till what's left is just impression, ripple, reflection.

The New York Times - Books

Just think of Christie Whitman, who seemed to be sinking out of sight in the polls in the summer of 1993.

The New York Times

Yet now interest rates have gone even higher (this week the central bank raised the overnight rate from just under 30% to 32%), in order to stop the floating currency from sinking out of sight.

The Economist

Indeed, the book, by the first-time novelist Tatiana de Rosnay, was well on its way to sinking out of sight last fall when Target, the discount retailer, chose the paperback version of "Sarah's Key" as its Bookmarked Club Pick: a choice for a program that designates titles for prominent display throughout the chain's stores.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Later she relents with Ben, but they sink out of sight along with the sunset.

The New York Times

Williams said that Ellis's "whole demeanour was that of a person who would have welcomed an earthquake or any convulsion of nature which would have opened a way for him to sink out of my sight".

Wikipedia

As he drives away, the narrator glances back: "the house had sunk out of sight".

The New Yorker

The thick gray mixture ran into the waters of the Arctic Ocean and sank out of sight.

The New York Times - Magazine

Archaeologists, geologists and divers have plumbed ocean depths where the island supposedly sank out of sight thousands of years ago.

The New York Times - Science

As for the rest of us, the lovers sink out of sight in true PG-13 fashion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sinking out of sight" to vividly describe a gradual disappearance, whether it's a physical object vanishing below a surface or an abstract concept losing prominence.

Common error

Avoid using "sinking out of sight" to describe something that vanishes instantaneously. This phrase is appropriate only when the disappearance occurs over a noticeable period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sinking out of sight" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically serving as a verb phrase modifying a noun, often used to describe the progressive disappearance or submergence of something from view. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sinking out of sight" is a descriptive phrase that effectively conveys a gradual disappearance or submergence. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedia, and Wiki sources. Be mindful of its meaning and the context you're using it in and not mistake it for instantaneous disappearance, as it indicates a gradual process. Also, while "sinks out of sight" is grammatically correct as well, it doesn't deliver the same vividness of gradual action like "sinking" does.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disappearing from view

Focuses on the visual aspect of vanishing; more literal.

fading into oblivion

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance into a state of being forgotten.

vanishing without a trace

Highlights the completeness of the disappearance; more dramatic.

receding into the distance

Implies movement away from the observer, becoming smaller and less distinct.

dwindling to nothing

Suggests a gradual reduction in size or importance until it ceases to exist.

slipping from consciousness

Refers to a loss of awareness or memory; more abstract.

falling into obscurity

Indicates a loss of fame or recognition.

going under the radar

Describes something becoming unnoticed or avoiding attention.

becoming invisible

Emphasizes the lack of visibility of something.

dissolving into thin air

Suggests a sudden and complete disappearance, often mysterious.

FAQs

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

You can use "sinking out of sight" to describe the gradual disappearance of something, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "The sun was sinking out of sight below the horizon" or "Her hopes were sinking out of sight as the deadline approached".

What can I say instead of "sinking out of sight"?

You can use alternatives like "disappearing from view", "fading into oblivion", or "vanishing without a trace" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "sinks out of sight" instead of "sinking out of sight"?

While grammatically correct, "sinks out of sight" describes a general action, whereas "sinking out of sight" implies an ongoing process. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action itself or the process of disappearing.

What's the difference between "sinking out of sight" and "drop out of sight"?

"Sinking out of sight" often implies a gradual or physical disappearance, whereas "drop out of sight" usually refers to a sudden disappearance or a loss of contact with someone.