Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Fade Away'

"When life's vibrant colors start to fade away, one must find the beauty in simplicity and embrace the fading light with grace."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'fade away' means to gradually disappear or lose strength, importance, or popularity over time, eventually ceasing to exist.

Examples in context

The old castle, once grand, slowly fades away as nature takes over.
His enthusiasm for the project seemed to fade away after a few setbacks.
Over the years, the neighborhood's lively spirit began to fade away.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'fade away' means to gradually disappear or lose strength, importance, or popularity over time, eventually ceasing to exist.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb cannot be separated from the preposition; they must stay together.

Neutral

Used commonly in both informal and formal contexts without stylistic concerns.

Transitive

No direct object follows 'fade away' as its use is intransitive.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	fade away	The music fades away into silence.
Past Simple	faded away	The old traditions faded away decades ago.
Present Continuous	fading away	Her interest in painting is fading away.
Present Perfect	have faded away	Most indigenous languages have faded away over time.

💡 When to Use

Decline in importance

Use when something is losing its significance or popularity, often over a period of time.

Example: "Many 1980s fashions have faded away in recent decades."

Gradual disappearance

Appropriate when discussing a slow, almost unnoticeable disappearance.

Example: "As the fog lifted, the shadows began to fade away."

Weakened strength

Used to describe someone or something that is losing its former vigor or influence.

Example: "Her illness caused her energy to fade away."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: The sound fades out away quickly.

✅ Correct: The sound fades away quickly.

💡 Tip: Avoid extra prepositions; 'fade away' stands alone.

Misplaced positioning

❌ Wrong: Away fade the lights.

✅ Correct: The lights fade away.

💡 Tip: Maintain correct subject-verb order: subject first.

Imprecise use

❌ Wrong: She will fade away the company.

✅ Correct: The company's influence will fade away.

💡 Tip: Use 'fade away' for effects, not actions performed.

Practice

FADE AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The old castle, once grand, slowly fades away as nature takes over.
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2
Listen to example

His enthusiasm for the project seemed to fade away after a few setbacks.
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3
Listen to example

Over the years, the neighborhood's lively spirit began to fade away.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

disappear diminish

Antonyms

emerge

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The echo of their laughter began to ___ as night fell."

stay

fade away

increase

appear

In Context

In the late 19th century, the world witnessed the rise and slow decline of the Ottoman Empire. At its height, the empire spanned three continents and held sway over vast and diverse cultures. However, as the centuries turned, its might began to fade away. Internal strife and external pressures unraveled its once expansive dominion. The empire's internal governance issues and growing nationalist movements weakened its core. The 1912 Balkan Wars, where various factions sought independence, marked a turning point, illustrating how Ottoman control began to fade away. The subsequent involvement in World War I further hastened its decline as alliances formed primarily out of desperation. By the end of the war, the Sultanate's influence continued to fade away, culminating in the empire's official dissolution in 1922. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s nationalist movement laid the foundation for the modern Republic of Turkey. Thus, an empire once revered for its grandeur and strategic prowess gradually faded away, leaving behind a legacy that fundamentally reshaped global politics and geographical boundaries.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Fade Away

What is the origin of 'fade away'?

The term 'fade' has Old English roots, specifically from the word 'faden.' It has been used figuratively to indicate gradual disappearance since the late 16th century, evolving into 'fade away' over time.

Can 'fade away' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'fade away' suits both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile, used in literary works, everyday conversations, and formal documentation without stylistic concerns.

What is the difference between 'fade away' and 'disappear'?

'Fade away' suggests a gradual disappearance or decline, often in stages. 'Disappear' implies a more instant or sudden vanishing. Use 'fade away' for processes over time and 'disappear' for immediate events.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

FADE AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Fade Away

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega