worn away

USAGE SUMMARY

"worn away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been eroded away over time, or anything that has faded or been physically damaged over time. For example: "The harsh winds had slowly worn away the rock face over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mine had worn away.

The New Yorker

Has time worn away their good looks?

The New York Times

How thin she was, how worn away.

The New Yorker

The resentments have hardly worn away.

The New York Times

Time and neglect have worn away much that was there.

The New York Times

Time has worn away some of its old values.

The New York Times

What do you see when a carpet is worn away?

The New Yorker

In fact, gems are ground down, worn away.

The New Yorker

If cartilage has completely worn away, it cannot be rebuilt.

The New York Times - Science

The porcelain had been worn away and was black".

The New York Times

Angels kept vigil over graves, their faces worn away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emotional states or personal attributes, consider using "worn away" to illustrate how experiences have gradually diminished someone's initial characteristics. For example, "Years of struggle had worn away his optimism."

Common error

Avoid using "worn away" when describing actions that actively remove something. "Worn away" implies a passive process of erosion, not a deliberate removal or destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worn away" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a process of gradual erosion, disappearance, or deterioration. Examples in Ludwig show its use in describing physical objects (e.g., "the porcelain had been worn away") and abstract concepts (e.g., "ideals of neighbourliness... have been worn away").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worn away" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively describes the gradual disappearance or deterioration of something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. While "worn away" is suitable for both tangible and intangible subjects, remember that it implies a passive process. As demonstrated by Ludwig, "worn away" enjoys broad applicability across varied registers, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eroded

Focuses on the gradual destruction or diminution by natural forces like water or wind.

deteriorated

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition, often through wear or neglect.

faded

Highlights the loss of color, vibrancy, or intensity over time.

disintegrated

Implies a breakdown into smaller parts or complete destruction.

dissipated

Suggests a gradual disappearance or vanishing, often of something intangible.

consumed

Focuses on something being completely used up or destroyed.

depleted

Highlights the reduction in quantity or supply of something.

vanished

Emphasizes a sudden or complete disappearance.

ground down

Focuses on the reduction or leveling of something by friction or pressure.

thinned out

Suggests a reduction in density or thickness.

FAQs

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

You can use "worn away" to describe the gradual disappearance or deterioration of something over time. For example, "The inscription on the tombstone had been "eroded" by the rain, and the letters were almost completely "worn away"".

What's the difference between "worn away" and "eroded"?

"Worn away" generally refers to the gradual disappearance or thinning of something due to use or exposure, while "eroded" specifically refers to the wearing away of something by natural elements like wind or water. However, in many contexts, they can be used interchangeably.

What can I say instead of "worn away"?

Alternatives include "eroded", "deteriorated", "faded", or "disintegrated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something has "worn away" over time?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. The phrase "worn away" implies a gradual process of erosion or deterioration, making it suitable for describing changes occurring over a period.