ease off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ease off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a decrease in the intensity or strength of an action. For example: "I felt like I needed to ease off on the accelerator as I came up to the curve in the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ease off slightly.

The Guardian - Sport

Did Jenson ease off?

Independent

"Ease off!" implores Tammy Mattinson.

The Guardian - Sport

But the snow will ease off later.

The Guardian

When you stop playing it does ease off a bit.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, ease off, but also help out.

The New Yorker

There's no way you're going to ease off".

The Guardian - Sport

Your response is that we should ease off on climate.

The Guardian

Next time, he plans to ease off the PowerBars.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, it only considers ease-off, but ignores tooth contact performance items.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

An accurate correction model and its objective function are established considering the residual ease-off.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "ease off", be specific about what they should reduce. For example, "Ease off the sugar" is clearer than just "Ease off".

Common error

While "ease off" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal writing. Alternatives like "reduce" or "lessen" may be more appropriate for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ease off" is as a phrasal verb. It modifies a verb or action, indicating a reduction in intensity, pressure, or effort. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ease off" is a common and versatile phrasal verb that means to reduce intensity, pressure, or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts and can be used in both informal and neutral registers. When using "ease off", be clear about what is being reduced, and consider more formal alternatives like "reduce" or "lessen" for professional writing. Common related phrases include "reduce intensity" and "let up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let up

Indicates a temporary cessation or reduction in something unpleasant.

lessen pressure

Emphasizes the alleviation of stress or strain.

go easy on

Implies being gentle or lenient with someone or something.

reduce intensity

Focuses on decreasing the level of strength or force being applied.

tone down

Suggests making something less emphatic or aggressive.

slack off

Implies a decrease in effort or diligence, often in a work context.

moderate

Implies making something less extreme or intense.

relent

Suggests becoming more lenient or compassionate.

take it easy

Means to relax and avoid exerting oneself.

decelerate

Specifically refers to a decrease in speed or velocity.

FAQs

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

You can use "ease off" to suggest reducing effort, pressure, or intensity. For instance, "You need to "ease off" the gas pedal" or "The rain will "ease off" later today".

What are some alternatives to "ease off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reduce intensity", "lessen pressure", or "let up" as alternatives to "ease off".

Is it correct to say "eased off" instead of "ease off"?

Yes, "eased off" is the past tense form of "ease off". For example, "The pain "eased off" after taking the medicine".

What's the difference between "ease off" and "back off"?

"Ease off" typically suggests reducing intensity or pressure, while "back off" implies withdrawing or retreating from a situation. You might "ease off" on criticism, but "back off" from a confrontation.