calm

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'calm' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, place, or thing that is tranquil, composed, and not disturbed. For example: "I felt a sense of calm when I arrived at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flights extra While the situation in East Timor is relatively calm compared with recent periods of political strife, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advises against "all but essential travel" to the region.

The Guardian - Travel

It was a calm end to a chaotic day.

The Guardian - Sport

David Cameron was accused of revealing his ill-suppressed Bullingdon Club instincts when he shouted at the Labour frontbencher Angela Eagle to "calm down, dear" as she berated him for misleading MPs at prime minister's questions.

The Guardian

"All sides should seek a consensus allowing a return to calm," an EU statement said.

The Guardian

Footage taken from an emergency ministry helicopter searching for survivors showed clear and calm weather as other trawlers steamed towards the area of the accident.

The Guardian

When things are going very well he sometimes gets a bit impatient as to why they are not going better, but he was actually very calm after the first debate," he recalled.

The Guardian

Daynes then showered and changed his clothes before calling 999, claiming in a calm voice that he had stabbed Breck while trying to stop him from taking his life.

The Guardian

A ticket seller was hit by a supporter demanding his money back but the most striking thing was how calm it was, how serene people were.

The Guardian - Sport

At 9.35pm there was a PA announcement telling supporters that the game would not be kicking off for now and to stay calm.

The Guardian - Sport

To visit his office was to experience something of the intellectual calm of a tutorial or the moral purgation of a confessional.

The Guardian

As she was carried into the ambulance she gave me a little wave to calm my distress as if to say: "Don't worry I'll be OK".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calm" to describe not only emotional states but also environmental conditions such as a "calm sea" or "calm weather".

Common error

Avoid using "calm" as an action performed by a subject directly on an object when a reflexive verb is more appropriate. Instead of saying "He calmed the situation", consider "He calmed down the situation" or "He brought calm to the situation".

Linguistic Context

The word "calm" primarily functions as an adjective, describing a state of peace, tranquility, or composure. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It can also function as a verb, meaning to make or become calm and as a noun referring to the state of being calm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "calm" is a versatile term used primarily as an adjective to describe a state of peace, tranquility, or composure. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. It's frequently found in news and media, sports reporting, and lifestyle content, reflecting its widespread applicability. When using "calm", consider its multiple roles: as an adjective, verb, or noun. While generally neutral in tone, avoid direct active voice constructions that are better suited to reflexive verbs. Understanding these nuances will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peaceful

Describes a state of tranquility and serenity.

tranquil

Suggests a quiet and serene atmosphere or state.

serene

Implies a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

composed

Refers to maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in stressful situations.

unruffled

Indicates a state of not being disturbed or agitated.

placid

Describes a calm and quiet nature or appearance.

equanimous

Highlights emotional stability and composure, especially under pressure.

collected

Similar to 'composed', emphasizes maintaining control over one's emotions.

level-headed

Describes someone who is calm and rational, especially in a crisis.

undisturbed

Indicates a state of not being interrupted or bothered, suggesting peace and quiet.

FAQs

How can I use "calm" in a sentence?

"Calm" can be used as an adjective to describe a person, place, or situation, like in "She remained "calm" despite the chaos" or "The sea was "calm" this morning".

What is the noun form of "calm"?

The noun form of "calm" is "calmness". For example, "The "calmness" of the forest was soothing".

What can I say instead of "stay calm"?

Alternatives to "stay calm" include "keep "composed"", "remain "tranquil"", or "maintain "equanimity"".

What's the difference between "calm" and "serene"?

While both imply peace, "calm" suggests a temporary absence of disturbance, whereas "serene" implies a deeper, more permanent state of tranquility. A scene can be described as "serene", but if it used to be chaotic, it would be described as "calm".