ease up on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ease up on" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to suggest someone should reduce the intensity of something they are doing. For example: "Ease up on the sugar in your coffee, otherwise you could get a sugar rush!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

How to ease up on a clutch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Did Indianapolis ease up on purpose?

The New York Times

"Ease up on the grog.

The Guardian - Film

Let's ease up on the shaming language!

The New Yorker

But she didn't ease up on the mind games.

The New York Times - Books

He would also do well to ease up on repression.

The Economist

Obama is unlikely to ease up on climate now.

The Guardian

So we need to ease up on green taxes.

The Guardian

We know we can't ease up on certain plays.

The New York Times - Sports

Return to fiscal conservatism and ease up on social conservatism.

The New York Times

Shields recalled Woodson asking Whitt to ease up on him a little.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is frequently employed in both direct requests and more nuanced suggestions; use your discretion to align with the communicative intent.

Common error

While versatile, "ease up on" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "relax", "reduce", or "lighten" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "ease up on" functions as a directive or suggestion to reduce the intensity, pressure, or strictness applied to something. It implies a need for moderation or relaxation in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ease up on" is a versatile phrasal verb that suggests a reduction in intensity, pressure, or strictness. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's appropriate for both informal and semi-formal settings, varying your vocabulary with synonyms like "relax your grip on" or "go easy on" can enhance your writing style. Remember to use the phrase in a context that clearly indicates what is receiving less pressure, and be mindful of potential overuse by incorporating diverse synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go easy on

Offers a more casual way to suggest being less harsh or severe.

take it easy on

Similar to "go easy on", but can also imply giving someone a break.

reduce the pressure on

Directly addresses decreasing the amount of stress or strain applied.

moderate your approach to

Indicates adjusting one's methods to be less extreme or intense.

relax your grip on

Focuses on lessening control or strictness.

scale back on

Implies a reduction in quantity, effort or resources.

soften your stance on

Suggests becoming more lenient or understanding in one's position.

be more lenient with

Focuses on showing greater tolerance or forgiveness.

lighten up about

Implies taking a less serious or critical attitude.

temper your enthusiasm for

Suggests reducing the intensity of one's excitement or zeal.

FAQs

How can I use "ease up on" in a sentence?

You can use "ease up on" to suggest reducing the intensity or pressure of something. For example: "You should "ease up on" the criticism", or "Ease up on the gas pedal."

What's a good alternative to "ease up on"?

Alternatives to "ease up on" include "go easy on", "relax your grip on", or "soften your stance on", depending on the specific context.

Is "easing up on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "easing up on" is grammatically correct. It's the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses, such as "They are "easing up on" the restrictions."

What's the difference between "ease up on" and "ease off"?

"Ease up on" typically implies reducing intensity or pressure applied to something, while "ease off" can mean to gradually stop or reduce in effort or intensity in general, not specifically directed at something.