able to unwind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to unwind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to relax or relieve stress after a period of tension or work. Example: "After a long week at work, I finally felt able to unwind and enjoy my weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Months after the loss was first disclosed, JPMorgan still has not been able to unwind the positions completely.

The New York Times

After a week of 10-hour days, he said, he was able to unwind by playing volleyball on the beach.

The New York Times

Apache has been able to unwind all but one hedge, a complicated transaction that involves Enron and other parties, said Ray Plank, Apache's chairman.

The New York Times

The money market funds accept a small amount of interest on these overnight loans in exchange for being able to unwind the transactions daily, if need be.

The New York Times

Other critics fear that the Fed is risking future inflation by vastly increasing the quantity of reserves that banks hold at the central bank and that the Fed will not be able to unwind the policy when the time comes.

The New York Times

"They're always going to have a certain caliber of people, the music will always be something that will not jar you, and you're going to be able to unwind".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We hope you were able to relax, unwind and grow your Stanford network!

Stanford University

"Being able to completely unwind away from the world's eye is not something that a member of the biggest boyband in the world and one of the UK's biggest style icons get to do often".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While doing so, it is able to efficiently unwind RNA DNA hybrids and G4 quadruplex structures.

eLife

I was able to completely unwind, reply to every last one of my e-mails and do a little web shopping.

Forbes

But being able to escape and unwind in Vienna Woods, she said, can easily be described as having the best of both worlds.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to unwind" when describing someone's capacity to relax or de-stress, especially after a period of intense activity or pressure. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of relieving tension or resolving a complex issue.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid excessive use of "able to unwind" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "capable of relaxing" or "prepared to de-stress" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to unwind" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the capacity or capability of someone or something to relax or resolve a complex situation. Ludwig shows many examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to unwind" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression denoting the capacity or opportunity to relax or resolve a complex situation. Analysis of Ludwig's data reveals its frequent occurrence in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating broad applicability. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, sophisticated alternatives might be preferred in highly formal settings. This analysis equips writers with a deeper understanding of the phrase's nuances, promoting effective communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of relaxing

Focuses on the capacity to relax.

in a position to de-stress

Highlights the ability to reduce stress.

prepared to loosen up

Emphasizes readiness to become less tense.

equipped to disentangle

Suggests having the tools or resources to resolve a complex situation.

fit to recuperate

Highlights the suitability for recovery.

ready to alleviate tension

Focuses on alleviating stress and strain.

eligible to loosen

Expresses the idea of being permitted or qualified to relax.

empowered to unwind

Highlights having the authority or power to relax.

authorized to settle down

Implies having permission or approval to relax.

competent to untangle

Focuses on having the skill to resolve a complex issue.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "able to unwind"?

To be "able to unwind" means having the capacity or opportunity to relax, de-stress, or relieve tension after a period of work, stress, or intense activity. It can also refer to the capability of resolving a complex situation or disentangling a complicated matter.

How can I use "able to unwind" in a sentence?

You can use "able to unwind" to describe someone's capacity to relax or de-stress. For example: "After a long week at work, I was finally "able to unwind" and enjoy my weekend."

What are some alternatives to "able to unwind"?

Some alternatives to "able to unwind" include "capable of relaxing", "in a position to de-stress", or "prepared to loosen up", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "able to unwind" in formal or informal contexts?

"Able to unwind" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "capable of relaxing" or "prepared to de-stress" to enhance the tone.