What are the definitions of “tail away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become silent or inaudible.
His voice TAILED AWAY when he was speaking about what he'd done wrong.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tail away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tail away is to become silent or inaudible. It is often used to describe a situation where someone's voice becomes quieter or fades away, usually due to emotions or uncertainty.
What are the different verb forms of “tail away”?
| Root Verb | tail away |
| Third Person Singular Present | tails away |
| Present Participle | tailing away |
| Simple Past | tailed away |
| Past Participle | tailed away |
Example
As she became emotional, her voice started to tail away.
Example
His voice tails away when he talks about his past.
Example
Her voice was tailing away as she tried to hold back tears.
Example
His voice tailed away when he realized he was wrong.
Example
Her voice had tailed away by the time she finished speaking.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tail 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
“tail 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
His voice tailed away as he spoke.
Example
Her laughter tailed away when she saw the serious expression on his face.
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
“tail 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
His voice tailed away as he spoke.
Example
Her laughter tailed away when she saw the serious expression on his face.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tail away”?
Good things to know
Does “tail away” have an informal or formal tone?
Tail 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 settings such as presentations, speeches, or written works.
