it calm down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it calm down" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "it calms down"? You can use the corrected phrase when referring to a situation or emotion that becomes less intense or more peaceful. Example: "After a few minutes of deep breathing, I could feel my anxiety start to calm down."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I soon learn that it is best just to let it calm down on its own, from a distance, as with a wild animal that has trodden on a wasp.

Independent

Will it calm down?

The New York Times

Let it calm down," Mr. Biden said.

The New York Times

"You take anti-inflammatories, you rest, you let it calm down, and you slowly work your way back into it".

The New York Times

"I had to wait a bit after the [Twenty20] World Cup to allow it calm down; it [the tendon] was pretty angry because we played constant cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it's in everybody's best interest that I really take care of this thing and let it calm down before I go back out".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Then it calms down.

The New York Times

Then it calmed down.

Independent

It calms down.

The New York Times - Food

It calmed down eventually.

The Guardian

Band got off the pony, and it calmed down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form "it calms down" when referring to something becoming less agitated. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "it calm down", which is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "it calms down" to ensure proper subject-verb agreement in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it calm down" is grammatically incorrect. The correct grammatical form is "it calms down". This highlights an error in subject-verb agreement, where the singular subject 'it' requires the singular verb form 'calms'. Ludwig AI identifies this as an incorrect phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it calm down" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "it calms down". While Ludwig identifies some occurrences of the incorrect phrase, primarily in news and media or wiki contexts, it is essential to use the grammatically correct "it calms down" in formal and informal writing. Remember to use alternatives like "it settles down" or "it eases up" for more nuanced expression. Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement to avoid this common error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it calms down

Corrects the grammatical error by using the correct verb form.

it settles down

Emphasizes a return to a stable or less agitated state.

it eases up

Suggests a reduction in intensity or pressure.

it quiets down

Focuses on the reduction of noise or activity.

it chills out

Implies a more relaxed or informal return to normalcy.

it becomes peaceful

Highlights the attainment of a tranquil state.

it finds peace

Emphasizes the process of achieving calmness.

it composes itself

Suggests a deliberate act of regaining composure.

it regains its composure

Focuses on recovering from a state of agitation or excitement.

it mellows out

Indicates a softening or gentling of mood or intensity.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "it calm down"?

The grammatically correct way to say "it calm down" is "it calms down". The verb must agree with the singular subject 'it'.

When should I use "it calms down"?

Use "it calms down" when referring to a situation, feeling, or object that is becoming less agitated, intense, or turbulent. For example, "After the storm, the sea calms down."

What are some alternatives to "it calms down"?

Alternatives to "it calms down" include phrases like "it settles down", "it eases up", or "it quiets down", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "it calms down" differ from "it calmed down"?

"It calms down" refers to a present or habitual action, while "it calmed down" refers to a past action. For example, "The baby calms down when I sing to her" versus "The baby calmed down after I sang to her."