be at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

"be at ease" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to feel calm, relaxed, and without worry or stress. You can use this phrase in different situations, such as: 1. Giving advice or reassurance: "Whenever you feel anxious, try to take deep breaths and be at ease." 2. As an instruction or command: "Please be at ease and take a seat." 3. In a formal setting, such as a military or official gathering: "The soldiers were ordered to be at ease while the general addressed them." 4. To express a state of mind or being: "Despite the chaos around her, she managed to be at ease and focus on her work." Example: The yoga instructor's soothing voice guided the class to be at ease and let go of any tension in their bodies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Chanel, Flanner wrote, helped Parisian women to breathe easily and be "at ease for the first time in French history".

The New Yorker

"Just trying to be at ease".

The New York Times

She can be at ease.

The New York Times - Books

He wants to be at ease with life.

The New Yorker

I hope she'll be at ease in her skin.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sounded as normative as he can be, at ease in his own language.

The New York Times - Arts

He carries a relaxed folksy moral authority, and wants Germany to be at ease with itself.

The Economist

The crew can calm down and — it's important — be at ease and trusting of their actors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

After long years spent accumulating wealth, he would finally be at ease….

Forbes

You're standing in front of cameras, people are watching you, it's not so easy to be at ease.

The New York Times

Playing a contemporary young woman, she seems to be at ease.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be at ease" to create a sense of reassurance and calm in your writing. It's particularly effective when addressing concerns or providing comfort to the reader.

Common error

While versatile, "be at ease" can sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "remain calm" or "feel secure" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at ease" functions primarily as an imperative, a command, or an encouragement to relax and stop worrying. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a versatile phrase used to give advice, issue instructions, or describe a state of mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be at ease" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to convey a sense of calm and reassurance. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI and its numerous real-world examples, it functions as an imperative to relax or a description of a peaceful state. While common in news, media, and informal settings, it's wise to consider context and opt for more formal alternatives in professional or academic communications. The phrase, while simple, carries a profound message of comfort and security.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be comfortable

Highlights a sense of ease and lack of awkwardness in a specific situation or environment.

feel comfortable

Focuses on the physical or mental feeling of comfort, rather than a general state of relaxation.

relax

A more general term for reducing tension and becoming calm.

stay calm

Emphasizes maintaining composure, particularly in stressful situations.

find peace of mind

Highlights the achievement of a tranquil mental state.

put your mind at rest

Suggests alleviating worries and anxieties.

compose yourself

Focuses on regaining control of one's emotions and behavior.

take it easy

An informal way of telling someone to relax and not overexert themselves.

lighten up

Implies becoming less serious or stressed about something.

chill out

A very informal expression for relaxing and calming down.

FAQs

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

You can use "be at ease" to reassure someone, as in "Be at ease, we have everything under control". It can also describe a state of mind, such as "She seemed to "be at ease" despite the pressure".

What's a more formal way to say "be at ease"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "remain calm", "feel secure", or "do not worry" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be at ease" appropriate for professional communication?

It depends on the context. In internal communications or less formal business settings, ""be at ease"" can work. However, for external or very formal communications, it's better to opt for phrases like "please rest assured".

How does "be at ease" differ from "relax"?

"Relax" is a more general term for reducing tension. "Be at ease" often implies a state of comfort and a lack of worry in a specific situation, suggesting that there's no reason to be concerned.