cooling off

USAGE SUMMARY

"cooling off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a noun or as a phrasal verb to indicate a period of time for someone to calm down or for a situation to become less intense. Example: After their fight, John and Sarah decided to take a two-week cooling off period before discussing their issues again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Cooling off inflammation.

Harvard University

The housing industry was cooling off fast.

The New York Times

But agents agree that the market is cooling off.

The New York Times

There was no cooling off period, no break clause".

The Guardian

For parents, however, it can mean invaluable cooling off time.

The Guardian

Is Earth still cooling off?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Sidebars: California End Run Cooling-Off Time.

Forbes

A cooling-off period?

Princeton University

Some people want a cooling-off period.

The Economist

"They want a cooling-off period".

The New York Times

We need a cooling-off period.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a formal agreement or purchase, consider using "cooling-off period" to emphasize the legally protected timeframe for reconsideration or cancellation.

Common error

Avoid using "cooling off" solely to describe temperature reduction. While technically accurate, the phrase is more commonly associated with emotional states, market trends, or legal agreements. For temperature, use "cooling" or "becoming cooler" instead.

Linguistic Context

"Cooling off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as a present participle in continuous tenses. It describes an ongoing process of becoming cooler, calmer, or less intense. As Ludwig AI indicates, it can function as a verb or a noun, adapting to various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cooling off" is a versatile expression, commonly used to denote a decrease in temperature, emotional intensity, or market activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as both a verb and a noun. As evidenced by the provided examples, it frequently appears in News & Media, academia and in wikis, indicating its relevance across diverse contexts. While "cooling off" typically carries a neutral tone, it can adopt a more formal register in academic or scientific writing. When considering alternatives, carefully evaluate the context to ensure the replacement aligns with your intended meaning. Be mindful that the phrase can also refer to a legal right, as in a "cooling-off period". Overall, "cooling off" is an expression to add to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calming down

Focuses on the action of becoming calmer, specifically for a person.

taking a time-out

Suggests a temporary removal from a situation to regain composure.

taking a breather

Emphasizes a short break for rest or relaxation.

de-escalating

Suggests a reduction in the intensity of a conflict or tense situation.

pausing for reflection

Highlights the act of contemplating or thinking deeply about something.

easing off

Implies a gradual reduction in pressure or effort.

relaxing

A general term for becoming less tense or stressed.

experiencing a lull

Refers to a temporary period of inactivity or quiet.

slowing down

Focuses on reducing the pace or intensity of something.

finding respite

Emphasizes discovering a temporary escape from something difficult.

FAQs

How can "cooling off" be used in a sentence?

"Cooling off" can describe physical temperature reduction, emotional calming, or a temporary decline in market activity. For instance, "After the argument, they needed some time for "cooling off"", or "The housing market is "cooling off" after a period of rapid growth".

What is a "cooling-off period"?

A "cooling-off period" is a legally defined timeframe following a purchase or agreement, during which the buyer can cancel the contract without penalty. This is common in sales and real estate transactions, giving the buyer time to reconsider their decision.

What's the difference between "cooling off" and "calming down"?

"Cooling off" can be used to describe a broader range of scenarios beyond just emotional states. "Calming down" specifically refers to reducing emotional intensity, while "cooling off" could also describe a market slowdown or a physical temperature change.

What are some alternative ways to express "cooling off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "calming down" (for emotions), "slowing down" (for market trends), or simply "getting colder" (for temperature). The best alternative depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.