began to subside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to subside" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something started to calm down or become less intense. For example, "The storm clouds began to subside and the sky cleared up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The pressure began to subside.

The New York Times

Worries began to subside.

The New York Times

A year later, the killing began to subside.

The New York Times

Audience numbers began to subside: young families went out less.

The Guardian - Film

After initial excavations, the house began to subside, pulling its neighbours down with it.

The Guardian - Arts

Then the hype around Freddy began to subside, and it happened quickly.

The New Yorker

Mr. Polzin said demand in South Florida began to subside on Friday.

The New York Times

For the first time in 12 days the violence began to subside.

The New York Times

After the third day, the swelling began to subside; he stayed in the hospital for a week.

The New Yorker

As the side effects began to subside, many of the patients began to believe they had beaten their cancer.

The New York Times - Health

Get me two paracetamol, quickly!" I lay there panting until my temperature, and the panic with it, began to subside.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "began to subside", ensure the context clearly indicates what is decreasing in intensity or amount. This phrase is effective for describing gradual changes, such as the lessening of a storm, pain, or tension.

Common error

Avoid using "began to subside" when describing an immediate or abrupt stop. This phrase is best suited for processes that diminish over time, not sudden halts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to subside" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It indicates the commencement of a gradual reduction or decrease in something, such as intensity, amount, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a situation where something starts to calm down or become less intense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began to subside" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a gradual decrease or lessening of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for indicating that something is starting to calm down. Its presence across diverse sources, especially in news and media, highlights its broad applicability. While alternatives like "started to diminish" or "began to lessen" offer similar meanings, "began to subside" is particularly effective when emphasizing a gradual reduction over time. Remember to use it in contexts where a gradual decline is intended, not a sudden stop.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to lessen

Highlights a reduction in intensity or degree.

started to abate

Implies a reduction in something negative or intense, like a storm or pain.

started to diminish

Emphasizes a decrease in size, extent, or importance.

started to decrease

Focuses on a numerical reduction or decline.

began to die down

Describes a reduction in activity or excitement.

began to ease off

Suggests a gradual reduction in pressure or effort.

began to wane

Suggests a decline in power, influence, or extent.

started to calm down

Focuses on a reduction in agitation or excitement.

began to weaken

Highlights a reduction in strength or force.

began to taper off

Implies a gradual reduction towards the end.

FAQs

How can I use "began to subside" in a sentence?

You can use "began to subside" to describe a gradual decrease in intensity or amount. For example, "After the heavy rain, the floodwaters "began to subside"".

What's a more formal alternative to "began to subside"?

More formal alternatives include "started to diminish" or "began to abate", depending on the specific context.

What verbs are similar in meaning to "subside"?

Verbs with similar meanings include "diminish", "lessen", "abate", and "recede".

Is it correct to say "the pain begins to subside"?

Yes, "the pain begins to subside" is grammatically correct and indicates that the pain is starting to decrease in intensity.