What are the definitions of “fade away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Gradually disappear or become less noticeable.
Her footsteps faded away down the staircase.
- 2Gradually disappear or become less noticeable or important.
If you don’t start eating properly you’re going to fade away.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fade away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fade away is to gradually disappear or become less noticeable. It can be used to describe sounds, feelings, or even people becoming less noticeable or important over time.
What are the different verb forms of “fade away”?
| Root Verb | fade away |
| Third Person Singular Present | fades away |
| Present Participle | fading away |
| Simple Past | faded away |
| Past Participle | faded away |
Example
The sound of the music faded away as we walked further from the concert.
Example
The echo fades away in the distance.
Example
The memory of that day is slowly fading away.
Example
The sun faded away behind the clouds.
Example
The graffiti on the wall had faded away over the years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fade away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“fade away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The sound of the rain faded away as the storm passed.
Example
Her voice faded away as she walked further down the hall.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fade away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The sound of the rain faded away as the storm passed.
Example
Her voice faded away as she walked further down the hall.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fade away”?
To become less noticeable or important, often intentionally.
Example
He decided to fade away into the background during the meeting to avoid drawing attention to himself.
Good things to know
Does “fade away” have an informal or formal tone?
Fade away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or speech.
