Differences between wear away and wear out
Wear away means to gradually erode or disappear over time, while wear out means to become unusable or exhausted due to excessive use.
Meanings and Definitions: wear away vs wear out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Wear out
- 1Use something until it stops working.
She played the video so many times that she WORE the tape OUT.
Usage Examples: wear away, wear out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
wear out
Example
If you keep using that old backpack, you'll wear it out soon.
Example
He wears out his shoes quickly because he walks so much.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear away
To gradually wear away or deteriorate due to natural forces such as wind, water, or time.
Example
The rocks on the beach have been eroded by the waves over time.
To gradually lose color or brightness over time.
Example
The paint on the old house has faded from years of exposure to the sun.
To gradually break down or disappear into smaller parts.
Example
The sugar cube will dissolve in the hot tea if you stir it long enough.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear out
To use up completely or to the point of depletion.
Example
I exhausted all my energy running the marathon and could barely walk afterwards.
Differences in wear away vs wear out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: wear away or wear out?
Both phrases are commonly used in daily conversation, but wear out is more frequently used. This is because it's a more common experience to have something wear out from use than to see something gradually wear away over time.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of wear away and wear out
Wear away and wear out are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of wear away and wear out
The tone of wear away and wear out can differ based on context. Wear away often carries a sense of gradual erosion or disappearance, which can be neutral or even poetic. On the other hand, wear out typically has a negative connotation of exhaustion or overuse, which can be frustrating or even humorous.
