trailing off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trailing off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone's voice or thoughts gradually become softer or less clear, often indicating hesitation or uncertainty. Example: "As she spoke about her dreams, her voice began trailing off, leaving her thoughts unfinished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So... ..... Haddie said, trailing off.

The New Yorker

Mr. Johnson said, trailing off.

The New York Times

" she said, trailing off.

The Washington Post

Haddie said, trailing off.

The New Yorker

Mr. White added, trailing off.

The New York Times

"But... " she said, her voice trailing off.

The New York Times

Within 20 minutes …" he said, trailing off.

The New York Times

she said, her voice trailing off.

The New York Times

Mr. Bahal said, his voice trailing off.

The New York Times

"Would it look...," Ms. Buxbaum said, trailing off.

The New York Times

"What will happen down the road...," he said, trailing off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trailing off" to subtly indicate hesitation, uncertainty, or a deliberate pause for effect in dialogue or narration.

Common error

Avoid using "trailing off" when a speaker abruptly stops due to interruption or external factors; reserve it for instances where the pause is suggestive of internal thought or emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trailing off" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe a gradual decrease in volume or intensity, often associated with speech. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in conveying hesitation or incompletion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trailing off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate a gradual decrease in sound or intensity, commonly in speech. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. Its primary purpose is to convey hesitation, uncertainty, or a deliberate pause. Related phrases like "fading out" or "petering out" can be used as alternatives. When writing, remember to use "trailing off" to subtly indicate pauses for effect and avoid misusing it for abrupt interruptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fading out

This alternative suggests a gradual decrease in audibility or visibility, similar to "trailing off" in describing sound or thought.

petering out

This alternative describes a gradual decline to nothing, often used for enthusiasm or activity as well as speech.

diminishing

This alternative implies a reduction in size, importance, or intensity, applicable to both voice and ideas.

tapering off

This alternative suggests a gradual reduction, often used in contexts of quantities or intensity.

dying away

This alternative conveys a sense of something gradually disappearing, often used for sounds or light.

fizzling out

This alternative describes a loss of enthusiasm or energy, often used for plans or relationships.

becoming inaudible

This alternative focuses specifically on the reduction in sound to the point of being unable to hear.

losing steam

This alternative implies a reduction in momentum or energy, often used for projects or efforts.

gradually subsiding

This alternative suggests a slow decrease in intensity or activity.

ceasing

This alternative indicates a complete stop or termination.

FAQs

How is "trailing off" typically used in writing?

The phrase "trailing off" is commonly used to indicate a speaker's voice fading due to hesitation, uncertainty, or a deliberate pause. It adds nuance to character interactions by showing unspoken thoughts or emotions.

What are some alternatives to "trailing off" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fading out", "petering out", or "diminishing" to describe a similar effect of something gradually decreasing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "trailing off" in a sentence?

Yes, "trailing off" is grammatically correct and commonly used as a phrasal verb. It's typically used to describe someone's voice or a sound gradually fading away. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is appropriate for use.

How can I effectively use "trailing off" to convey emotion in my writing?

Use "trailing off" to create a sense of incompletion or unspoken feelings. It can suggest that a character is hesitant, thoughtful, or struggling to express their emotions fully. Consider the character's inner state and the impact you want to create on the reader.