What are the definitions of “ebb away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Disappear gradually.
His life was EBBED AWAY as the illness progressed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ebb away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ebb away is to disappear or fade away gradually. It is often used to describe a situation or feeling that slowly becomes weaker or less noticeable over time.
What are the different verb forms of “ebb away”?
| Root Verb | ebb away |
| Third Person Singular Present | ebbs away |
| Present Participle | ebbing away |
| Simple Past | ebbed away |
| Past Participle | ebbed away |
Example
The sound of the music ebbed away as we walked further from the concert.
Example
Her energy ebbs away as the day goes on.
Example
The sunlight was ebbing away as the sun set.
Example
His enthusiasm for the project ebbed away over time.
Example
The pain had ebbed away by the next morning.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ebb 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
“ebb 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 crowd's excitement ebbed away as the game continued.
Example
Her confidence ebbed away as she faced more challenges.
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
“ebb 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 crowd's excitement ebbed away as the game continued.
Example
Her confidence ebbed away as she faced more challenges.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ebb away”?
Ebb and flow
A phrase used to describe the natural, cyclical pattern of change or fluctuation in a situation or process.
Example
The ebb and flow of the tides is a natural phenomenon.
Ebb tide
The period of time when the sea level falls as the tide goes out.
Example
During the ebb tide, the beach becomes more exposed.
Ebb away one's strength
To gradually weaken or diminish someone's physical or emotional strength.
Example
The long illness had ebbed away her strength.
Good things to know
Does “ebb away” have an informal or formal tone?
Ebb away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal writing or speech.
