dial down

USAGE SUMMARY

"dial down" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is generally used to mean "reduce or diminish the intensity or volume of something". For example, "When he started to raise his voice, I asked him to dial down a bit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dial down the vocal level and insert yours.

The New York Times - Tech

President Obama needs to dial down the hysteria.

Independent

They'll dial down one ingredient but dial up the others.

The New York Times

But now I've deliberately turned the dial down.

The Guardian - Arts

It's easy to dial down from laptops," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

No one quit, after Ms. Black agreed to dial down her tone.

The New York Times

A big crowd of reporters was waiting for him, and he sought to dial down expectations.

The New Yorker

Dial down any anti-country prejudice you may have, because Nashville's musical arrangements are gorgeous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I asked them to dial down their legal and oratorical voices and ramp up their neighborly ones," Mr. Garcetti said.

The New York Times

Perhaps they should quit the hard sell, dial down the guilt and let us shop in peace.

Independent

Dial down the danger: We are bombarded by contradictory, food-related health scares on an almost daily basis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dial down", consider the context to ensure the nuance of reducing intensity or volume is appropriate. Alternatives like "reduce" or "lessen" may be more suitable in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "dial down" when you intend to completely eliminate something. The phrase implies a reduction in intensity or amount, not a complete removal. Use words like "eliminate" or "remove" to describe a total elimination.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "dial down" primarily functions as a modifier, indicating a reduction in intensity, volume, or emphasis. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, from reducing emotional intensity to adjusting technical settings, confirming its versatile applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dial down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate a reduction in intensity, volume, or emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance across various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, it is adaptable to formal and informal settings. When using "dial down", remember that it implies a reduction rather than a complete elimination, and alternatives like "reduce", ""tone down"", or "scale back" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. This makes "dial down" a valuable addition to your vocabulary for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tone down

Specifically refers to reducing the intensity or forcefulness of something, like an argument or a piece of writing.

reduce

This alternative provides a direct and simple way to express lessening something.

turn down

This suggests lowering the level of something, like volume or enthusiasm.

scale back

This means to reduce the scope or extent of something, like a project or an ambition.

decrease

Similar to "reduce", but often used when referring to numerical or measurable quantities.

de-escalate

Used to describe reducing the intensity of a conflict or tense situation.

soften

This refers to making something less harsh or severe.

lessen

This implies a gradual reduction in something, often an undesirable quality.

moderate

Suggests keeping something within reasonable limits, avoiding extremes.

curtail

This implies reducing or restricting something, often a freedom or privilege.

FAQs

How can I use "dial down" in a sentence?

You can use "dial down" to suggest reducing the intensity or volume of something. For example, "The manager asked the team to "tone down" their criticism during the meeting" or "The government needs to "de-escalate" the tension in the region".

What are some alternatives to using "dial down"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduce", "lessen", ""tone down"", or "scale back" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "dial down"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "dial down" if you mean to completely eliminate something. It implies a reduction, not a complete removal. Use alternatives such as "eliminate" or "remove" in such cases.

What's the difference between "dial down" and "turn down"?

"Dial down" generally implies a gradual or controlled reduction, while "turn down" can suggest a more immediate or abrupt decrease, especially in volume or intensity. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.