apply the brakes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply the brakes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of slowing down or stopping a vehicle by engaging the braking system. Example: "As the car approached the red light, the driver had to apply the brakes quickly to avoid an accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

CONGRESS may apply the brakes.

The New York Times

But we should apply the brakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is up to the driver to apply the brakes.

The New York Times

Both powers must now firmly apply the brakes.

The New York Times

Too late, we learned to apply the brakes, ordering one dish at a time.

The New York Times

The chancellor should come clean, admit this measure isn't green and apply the brakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may only have been able to slow the process, to apply the brakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the engineer does not begin braking immediately, the system itself will apply the brakes.

The New York Times - Travel

Worried diplomats are scheduling visits to New Delhi and Islamabad, trying to apply the brakes.

The New York Times

Shift the transmission selector to the neutral (N) position and apply the brakes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once you've swerved, you can re-apply the brakes if necessary.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply the brakes" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates a slowing down or stopping of progress or action, not just physical braking.

Common error

Avoid using "apply the brakes" when you simply mean to manage or adjust something gradually; ensure the context implies a deliberate slowing or stopping of a process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply the brakes" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of slowing down or stopping a vehicle or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply the brakes" is a versatile idiom and, according to Ludwig AI, grammatically valid and widely used to describe the act of slowing down or stopping, either literally in the context of vehicles or figuratively in discussions about processes or situations. Its usage spans various registers, but it's most common in News & Media. When using "apply the brakes", ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate reduction or halt, and remember that other phrases like ""slow down"" or ""put the brakes on"" might be suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put the brakes on

A more colloquial variant with the same core meaning.

slow down

Indicates a reduction in speed or activity, more general than a specific braking action.

bring to a halt

Implies a complete stop, often more formal and emphatic than "apply the brakes".

decelerate

A more technical term for reducing speed, applicable in various contexts.

come to a stop

Describes the process of gradually reaching a standstill.

rein in

Figuratively means to control or restrain, similar to slowing down a process.

curb

Implies limiting or restraining something, often in a regulatory or preventative sense.

hold back

Suggests restraining or preventing progress or action.

restrain

A formal term for controlling or limiting something's progress or expression.

check

Means to stop or slow down the progress of something.

FAQs

How can I use "apply the brakes" in a sentence?

You can use "apply the brakes" literally, like "The driver had to apply the brakes suddenly to avoid the pedestrian", or figuratively, such as "The government needs to apply the brakes to rising inflation".

What are some alternatives to "apply the brakes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slow down", "bring to a halt", or "put the brakes on".

Is it correct to say "applied the brakes" instead of "apply the brakes"?

Yes, "applied the brakes" is the past tense form of "apply the brakes" and is correct when describing an action that has already occurred. "Apply the brakes" is used in the present tense or as an instruction.

What does it mean to "put the brakes on" something versus "apply the brakes"?

While similar, ""put the brakes on"" often implies a more forceful or sudden slowing down or stopping, whereas "apply the brakes" can suggest a more gradual or controlled action.