Differences between play away and wear away
Play away means to play a sports game or match in an opponent's stadium or field, while wear away means to gradually erode or diminish due to friction or use.
Meanings and Definitions: play away vs wear away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Play away
- 1Be sexually unfaithful when away from home.
He travels abroad a lot and his wife thinks he PLAYS AWAY.
Wear away
- 1Erode, remove gradually.
The lawn has been WORN AWAY by people walking across it and it's just bare soil now with hardly a blade of grass.
Usage Examples: play away, wear away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
play away
Example
She suspects her partner might play away when on business trips.
Example
He often worries about whether his friends play away.
wear away
Example
The constant rubbing of the shoes against the floor will eventually wear away the carpet.
Example
The river wears away the rocks over time, creating a smooth surface.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Play away
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear away
To gradually wear down or diminish due to friction or use.
Example
The constant exposure to water caused the rocks to erode over time.
To gradually break down or disappear due to chemical reactions or other factors.
Example
The sugar started to dissolve in the hot water, creating a sweet solution.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “play”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in play away vs wear away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: play away or wear away?
In everyday conversation, wear away is more common than play away. This is because wear away can be used in various contexts, such as describing the erosion of a physical object or the gradual disappearance of a feeling. On the other hand, play away is a specific term used mainly in sports-related conversations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of play away and wear away
Wear away and play away are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, wear away can also be used in more formal settings, such as academic or scientific writing, to describe the gradual erosion of materials or substances.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of play away and wear away
The tone of play away and wear away can differ based on context. Play away often carries a competitive or adventurous tone, especially when referring to playing in an opponent's field. In contrast, wear away typically has a neutral or descriptive tone, especially when referring to the gradual erosion of a physical object.
