thin out

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual dispersal of a group or a reduction in amount or concentration. Example: The crowd began to thin out after the band finished their last set.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thin out as desired with water.

The New York Times - Health

Thin out as desired with ice water.

The New York Times - Health

The crowd started to thin out after weigh-in closed.

The New York Times

* Passion flower: Thin out overgrown plants at ground level.

Independent

Maybe I do need to "thin out" my flag.

The New Yorker

Thin out as desired with the broth from the beans.

The New York Times

Thin out as desired with more marinade or with water.

The New York Times - Health

We need to let it thin out a little".

The New York Times - Sports

Thin out as desired with the broth from the lentils.

The New York Times - Health

The change didn't thin out Battles' music — just the opposite.

The New York Times - Arts

Thin out as desired with water or milk.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thin out" to describe adjusting the consistency of a liquid, specify the thinning agent (e.g., "Thin out the sauce with water").

Common error

Avoid using "thin out" in contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "thin out the document", consider "shorten the document" or "summarize the document".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thin out" is as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of making something less dense or numerous. As Ludwig AI shows, this can apply to crowds, liquids, vegetation, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

32%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "thin out" is a versatile term used to describe the process of making something less dense, less crowded, or less concentrated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Whether you're describing crowds dispersing, liquids being diluted, or populations decreasing, "thin out" offers a concise way to convey the idea of reduction or dispersal. Remember to specify the thinning agent or context for clarity and consider more precise verbs when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "thin out" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become sparse

Focuses on the state of becoming less dense or crowded.

reduce in number

Specifically refers to decreasing the quantity of something.

decrease in density

Highlights the reduction of concentration within a given area.

make less crowded

Emphasizes creating more space by reducing the number of occupants.

grow less dense

Implies a gradual decrease in compactness or concentration.

diminish in quantity

Refers to a reduction in the total amount of something.

attenuate

Suggests weakening or reducing the force, effect, or value of something.

rarefy

Implies making something less dense or substantial, often used in scientific contexts.

weed out

Focuses on removing unwanted elements to improve the overall quality.

cull

Indicates selective removal, often to control a population or improve a stock.

FAQs

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

You can use "thin out" to describe making something less dense, such as "The crowd began to thin out after the concert." It can also refer to adjusting the consistency of a liquid, as in "Thin out the paint with water".

What's the difference between "thin" and "thin out"?

"Thin" is an adjective describing something with little thickness. "Thin out" is a verb describing the action of making something less dense or less crowded.

What can I say instead of "thin out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduce in number", "decrease in density", or "become sparse".

Is it correct to say something will "thin out over time"?

Yes, it's correct. Saying something will "thin out over time" means it will gradually become less dense or less numerous as time passes. For example, "The forest will thin out over time due to deforestation".