it was softening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was softening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a gradual change in texture or intensity, often in relation to food, emotions, or situations. Example: "As the sun set, the harsh light was fading, and the landscape it illuminated was softening into gentle shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

By the end of September, with Rick Perry's collapse already on full display, the organization revealed that it was "softening" in its stance toward Romney.

Huffington Post

He managed the 1977 election campaign for the right-wing Likud's Menachem Begin, and became the first Likud defence minister.Yet his strategic stance was as pragmatic as his politics; and it was softening.

The Economist

In that context, the last five years starts to feel like it was softening the ground for a mainstream populace to accept new inputs.

TechCrunch

It was softening up support for the work of true public health scientists so that politicians could stick it to the American people and line the pockets of their influential friends.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is entirely based on the truth - if anything, it was softened a bit in order not to give the audience too hard a time.

The Guardian - Film

His daughter inherited his imperious inability to keep his opinions to himself, but in her case it was softened by her feminine humour.

The Guardian - Film

Of the e-mail I got which was from colleagues, about two-thirds had this knee-jerk "how could you do this?" and then I explained what we actually did, and then it was softened.

The New York Times - Science

"It is softening away on both sides".

The New York Times

It's softening, of course, but it's still there".

The New Yorker

It is softening the religious right's sometimes fearsome image.

The Economist

For my money, chenin is better than the popular viognier, which works best when it is softening up Côte-Rôtie.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was softening" to describe a gradual change in texture, attitude, or intensity. For instance, "As the dough rested, it was softening, making it easier to work with."

Common error

Avoid using "it was softening" to describe abrupt alterations. This phrase implies a gradual process, not an instantaneous shift. For sudden changes, consider alternatives like "it suddenly became soft" or "it instantly changed texture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was softening" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, utilizing the past continuous tense. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its role in illustrating a gradual change or process. Examples show it describing evolving attitudes, physical states, or even market conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was softening" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a gradual reduction in intensity, rigidity, or harshness. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, noting its descriptive function and suitability for various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a gradual process rather than a sudden change. Consider alternatives like "it was easing up" or "it was becoming gentler" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was becoming gentler

Focuses on a reduction in harshness or intensity.

it was easing up

Suggests a reduction in pressure or strictness.

it was mellowing out

Implies a calming or relaxing effect.

it was getting less intense

Highlights a decrease in the degree of force or strength.

it was diminishing

Focuses on a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

it was becoming more flexible

Highlights an increase in adaptability or willingness to compromise.

it was losing its edge

Suggests a decline in sharpness or effectiveness.

it was calming down

Implies a reduction in excitement, agitation, or intensity.

it was becoming more agreeable

Highlights an increase in pleasantness or willingness to cooperate.

it was losing rigidity

Implies a decrease in inflexibility or strictness.

FAQs

How can I use "it was softening" in a sentence?

You can use "it was softening" to describe something that is gradually becoming less harsh, more gentle, or physically softer. For example, "As time passed, his anger "it was softening"."

What's a good alternative to "it was softening"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was easing up", "it was becoming gentler", or "it was mellowing out", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was softening" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was softening" is grammatically correct. It uses the past continuous tense to describe a continuous action in the past.

What does "it was softening" imply about the change?

The phrase "it was softening" implies that the change was gradual and progressive, not sudden or abrupt. It suggests a process of becoming less intense or rigid over time.