at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

"at ease" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to tell someone to relax and not be worried or tense. For example, "The soldier was told to stand at ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He plays at ease.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm at ease.

The New York Times

He seemed at ease.

The New York Times

"You're at ease.

The New York Times - Magazine

At ease, Sergeant.

The New York Times

I was instantly at ease.

The New York Times - Health

Only Fred remained at ease.

The New Yorker

She didn't look at ease.

The New York Times - Books

So I felt at ease".

The New York Times

"He puts people at ease.

The New York Times - Sports

He was at ease there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at ease" to describe a state of relaxation or comfort, ensuring the context clearly indicates this intended meaning. For example: "After a long day, he was finally at ease."

Common error

Don't confuse "at ease" with phrases like "ill at ease", which has the opposite meaning and describes a state of discomfort or anxiety. Ensure you're using the phrase appropriately to convey the intended sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at ease" primarily functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of being relaxed, comfortable, or free from anxiety. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's frequently used to indicate a state of calmness or to instruct someone to relax, similar to examples found in news articles and other sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at ease" is a versatile expression used to convey a state of relaxation or to give a command to relax. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase functions primarily as an adjective phrase, aiming to create comfort and reduce tension. It is generally neutral in register, though it can be formal in specific contexts like the military. With its frequent usage across news, media, and business sources, understanding the proper context is key to effective communication. Remember to differentiate it from "ill at ease", which carries the opposite meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Relaxed

Single word, focusing on the state of being without tension.

Comfortable

Emphasizes physical or mental comfort and contentment.

Without anxiety

Highlights the absence of worry or stress.

Free from stress

Specifically denotes the absence of pressure or strain.

Calm

Implies a state of peacefulness and tranquility.

Tranquil

Similar to calm, but often suggests a more profound sense of peace.

Serene

Indicates a state of untroubled calmness.

Composed

Highlights a sense of self-control and poise.

Unperturbed

Emphasizes a lack of disturbance or agitation.

Restful

Focuses on the idea of rest and recuperation.

FAQs

How can I use "at ease" in a sentence?

You can use "at ease" to describe a state of relaxation or to give a command. For example, "He felt "at ease" after the meeting" or "At ease, everyone, please".

What are some alternatives to "at ease"?

Alternatives include "relaxed", "comfortable", or "without anxiety", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "at ease" and "ill at ease"?

"At ease" describes a state of comfort and relaxation, whereas "ill "at ease"" describes a state of discomfort, anxiety, or unease.

Is "at ease" formal or informal?

"At ease" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In military settings, it's a formal command. In general usage, it's considered relatively neutral and appropriate for most situations.