cool off

USAGE SUMMARY

"cool off" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that is widely used in written English.
It is typically used to mean a decrease in intensity or effort, or a period of rest or relaxation. For example, "Let's take a break and cool off for a few minutes before we continue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let it cool off.

The New Yorker

O.K., John boy, cool off.

The New Yorker

It's nice to cool off.

The New Yorker

I had to cool off first.

The New Yorker

People cool off at a Birmingham lido.

The Guardian

And you want to cool off.

The Washington Post

We never really cool off that much".

The New York Times

Children at Skaramagkas migrant camp cool off in the Aegean.

Princeton University

To properly cool off, I needed something purer.

The New York Times

To cool off, just jump into the lake.

The Economist

He brushed her aside and went outside to cool off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to emotional states, use "cool off" to suggest a temporary reduction in anger or excitement. For a more permanent shift, consider "calm down" or "settle down".

Common error

While "cool off" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "de-escalate", "moderate", or "reduce" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cool off" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It modifies verbs and can be used in different ways, such as reducing temperature or decreasing emotional intensity. Ludwig provides many examples of this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "cool off" is a versatile expression used to describe a decrease in temperature or emotional intensity. Ludwig's AI confirms its acceptability in written English, and its prevalence across various sources like News & Media and Wiki articles indicates its widespread usage. While generally informal, it can be used in various contexts. When writing, it's crucial to consider the context to determine if "cool off" is the most appropriate choice, or if more formal alternatives like "de-escalate" or "moderate" would be better suited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cool down

Similar to "cool off", but can also refer to the physical act of lowering temperature after exercise.

calm down

Focuses specifically on reducing emotional agitation.

chill out

Implies a more relaxed and informal approach to reducing stress or heat.

simmer down

Suggests a gradual reduction in intensity, often used for emotions.

take a breather

Highlights the act of pausing to relax and regain composure.

decompress

Implies a release of pressure or stress, both physically and mentally.

unwind

Focuses on relaxing and reducing tension after a period of activity or stress.

relax

A general term for becoming less tense or stressed.

settle down

Suggests becoming calmer and more composed, often used in situations of excitement or agitation.

take it easy

Implies a relaxed approach and a reduction in effort or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "cool off" in a sentence?

You can use "cool off" to describe a reduction in temperature (e.g., "Let the soup "cool off" before serving") or a decrease in anger (e.g., "He needed to "cool off" after the argument").

What's the difference between "cool off" and "calm down"?

"Cool off" can refer to both a reduction in temperature and a decrease in emotional intensity. "Calm down" specifically refers to reducing emotional agitation.

Which is correct, "cool off" or "cool down"?

Both ""cool off"" and "cool down" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "cool down" is sometimes used more specifically for physical cooling, especially after exercise.

What can I say instead of "cool off"?

You can use alternatives like "relax", "take a break", or "decompress" depending on the specific context.