is tapering off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is tapering off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a gradual decrease or decline in intensity, quantity, or activity over time. For example: "The excitement for the event is tapering off as the date approaches." Alternative expressions include "is diminishing" and "is declining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

By next month, deaths should not have risen quite as abruptly because the fall wave is tapering off and hospitals have fewer people in intensive care, experts said.

The New York Times

If QE is tapering off and inflation is low, the case for buying gold is weaker.Yet the obituaries of QE seem premature.

The Economist

But Apple is tapering off production of the phone and is likely to discontinue it in the middle of 2015, reports Taiwan's Industrial and Commercial Times.

Independent

While the foraging season is tapering off in the Northeast, it picks up in California during the rainy fall and winter.

The New York Times - Food

Once-frantic sales growth at Am ca M? is tapering off as the company fights for customers with Telef?a of Spain.

The New York Times

The room for easy growth in China is tapering off as the population of cheap labor ages and shrinks, and land and natural resources become costlier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The solar industry insists it can, by the end of this Parliament, compete without subsidy for rooftop solar if support is tapered off slowly.

BBC

Even so, says the industry, those have been tapering off over time.

The Economist

[C5.] Managed Care Shares Look Shaky The stellar financial results of managed care plans may already be tapering off, some analysts say.

The New York Times

It wasn't until Thursday, when the adrenaline was tapering off, that she began to realize what she was doing.

The New York Times

Cleanup crews reached the scene the same day, but the effort was tapering off after about 11,000 gallons were collected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is tapering off" to describe the controlled or gradual reduction of something, rather than a sudden stop. This implies a managed decline, which is useful in economic, medical, or production contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is tapering off" when describing something that ceases suddenly. The phrase implies a gradual decrease; using it incorrectly can misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tapering off" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It describes an ongoing process of gradual reduction. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is tapering off" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a gradual decrease, fitting well within both formal and neutral contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and identifies its frequent use in news, scientific, and business domains. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used for describing controlled or gradual reductions, distinguishing it from abrupt stops. Consider alternatives like "is declining" or "is diminishing" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is declining

Expresses a general decrease, differing from "is tapering off" by lacking the nuance of gradualness.

is diminishing

Similar to declining, but emphasizes a fading away, which may not always imply a structured reduction.

is decreasing

Indicates a reduction in quantity or intensity without necessarily implying a gradual process.

is winding down

Suggests a process of bringing something to an end, implying a more controlled conclusion than a simple decrease.

is phasing out

Implies a systematic removal or discontinuation of something, typically according to a plan or schedule.

is subsiding

Describes a decrease in intensity, often used for phenomena like storms or pain.

is ebbing

Evokes a receding motion, similar to a tide, suggesting a natural decline.

is petering out

Implies a gradual disappearance or coming to an end, often used for something that loses energy or enthusiasm.

is dying down

Suggests a reduction in activity or excitement, often used for crowds or noise.

is becoming less

A more generic way of saying something is decreasing, lacking the specific nuance of tapering.

FAQs

How can I use "is tapering off" in a sentence?

The phrase "is tapering off" describes a gradual decline. For example, you might say, "The company's growth "is tapering off" due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "is tapering off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is declining", "is diminishing", or "is decreasing". Each carries a slightly different nuance of gradual reduction.

Is it appropriate to use "is tapering off" in formal writing?

Yes, "is tapering off" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing economics, medicine, or project management. It conveys a sense of controlled reduction that is appropriate for professional contexts.

What's the difference between "is tapering off" and "is stopping"?

"Is tapering off" implies a gradual reduction to zero, while "is stopping" suggests an immediate cessation. Use "is tapering off" when the decline is phased, not abrupt.