flatten out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flatten out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase commonly used to describe a decrease in intensity, rate of growth, or activity. For example, "After a brief spike in demand, sales began to flatten out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The curve is going to flatten out".

The Guardian - Business

Or for prices to flatten out".

The New York Times

And personal incomes could flatten out instead of growing.

The Economist

efficiency measures to flatten out or even lower electricity consumption.

The Washington Post

Pelfrey's slider tended to flatten out earlier this season.

The New York Times - Sports

When that happens, pitches flatten out and they're very hittable.

The New York Times - Sports

It began to flatten out, to melt into surrounding space, to attach itself to otherness.

The New Yorker

"People's taste buds tend to flatten out, so you have to bring up the flavors".

The New Yorker

But the total will flatten out at around 300 million a year, the firm said.

The New York Times - Tech

Some economists now think that prices will simply flatten out, as they have elsewhere.

The Economist

But they would flatten out, their hustle would not scale.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends in data or statistics, use "flatten out" to indicate a slowing or cessation of growth or decline. For example, "The infection rate is expected to "flatten out" after the vaccination campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "flatten out" when describing qualitative changes that don't involve a measurable decrease or stabilization. Instead of saying "His emotions began to flatten out", consider alternatives like "calm down" or "subside" that better capture the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flatten out" primarily functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating a process of becoming less steep, irregular, or intense. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It can also function transitively, meaning to make something flat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "flatten out" is a versatile expression primarily used to describe the process of becoming less steep, irregular, or intense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and how-to guides. While generally neutral in register, its suitability depends on the surrounding vocabulary. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "level off" or "stabilize" depending on the specific nuance intended. Ludwig examples also showcase its appropriate usage in describing trends and physical alterations, highlighting its utility in both quantitative and qualitative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level off

Focuses on reaching a stable, horizontal state after a period of change.

even out

Emphasizes the process of becoming uniform or balanced, reducing discrepancies.

stabilize

Highlights achieving a state of equilibrium and resistance to further change.

become constant

Stresses the cessation of fluctuation and the adoption of a fixed value.

reach a plateau

Indicates stagnation after a period of growth or progress.

decline

Refers to a downward trend or decrease in intensity or magnitude.

taper off

Suggests a gradual reduction in activity or effect over time.

subside

Implies a reduction in swelling, agitation, or intensity.

calm down

Emphasizes a reduction in emotional intensity or turbulence.

smooth out

Suggests removing irregularities or making something more uniform and agreeable.

FAQs

How can I use "flatten out" in a sentence?

"Flatten out" is used to describe something becoming less irregular or less steep. For example, "The yield curve might just "flatten out"." It can also mean to make something flat or even.

What are some alternatives to "flatten out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "level off", "even out", or "stabilize". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "flatten out" versus "decline"?

"Flatten out" implies a cessation or slowing of a trend, whereas "decline" indicates a downward trend. If something stops increasing or decreasing, it "flattens out". If it starts decreasing, it "declines".

Is "flatten out" formal or informal?

"Flatten out" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing. It's commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversation.