put at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

"put at ease" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the feeling of being relieved from nervousness or anxiety. For example: After speaking with the manager, I was put at ease knowing that I would still have my job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The widow said her heart had been put at ease.

The New York Times

Susan shyly shook hands with the singer but was quickly put at ease by his graciousness.

The New Yorker

They were put at ease when Spark raised the subject herself and dismissed it as nonsense.

The Guardian

We can only ask "how the soul could be put at ease, restored.

The Guardian - Books

His wisecracks are legendary, designed to put at ease the otherwise tongue-tied people lining up nervously to meet them.

Independent

Their minds were not put at ease by art but stirred instead to the possibility of terror.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

They put you at ease, they put your poor, demented relative at ease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jacobs tried to put him at ease.

The New York Times

(This will put them at ease).

The New Yorker

He immediately put Valentine at ease.

The New Yorker

Colangelo later put him at ease.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put at ease" when you want to describe making someone feel less anxious, nervous, or worried. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid awkward passive voice constructions. Instead of "he was put at ease by the news", a more direct and impactful phrasing is "the news put him at ease".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "put at ease" is a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice to describe the action of relieving someone's anxiety or nervousness. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, affirming its role in expressing emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put at ease" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of relieving someone's anxiety or worry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of passive voice constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "reassure" or "calm" to diversify your writing. This phrase is well-suited for both formal and informal communication, making it a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set someone's mind at rest

Similar in meaning but uses slightly different wording focusing on mental peace.

reassure someone

Implies providing comfort and confidence to someone who is anxious or doubtful.

soothe someone's nerves

Highlights the act of calming nervousness or agitation.

settle someone's nerves

Similar to soothing but implies bringing a more profound sense of calm to someone's anxiety.

calm someone's fears

Focuses specifically on alleviating fears rather than a general sense of unease.

alleviate anxiety

Emphasizes the reduction of anxiety, which is a more clinical term for worry.

make someone feel comfortable

Focuses on creating a feeling of ease and relaxation in a particular situation.

comfort someone

Broader term encompassing emotional and physical solace.

take the edge off

An informal expression that refers to reducing tension or nervousness.

pacify someone

Suggests quieting or calming someone who is agitated or angry.

FAQs

How can I use "put at ease" in a sentence?

You can use "put at ease" to describe an action that makes someone feel more relaxed or less anxious. For example, "His calm demeanor "put her at ease" during the stressful negotiation".

What are some alternatives to "put at ease"?

Alternatives include "reassure", "calm", "comfort", or "set one's mind at rest". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being put at ease"?

Yes, "being put at ease" is grammatically correct. It's often used in passive constructions to describe the state of someone who has been made to feel more comfortable or less anxious. For example, "After the explanation, she appreciated "being put at ease" by the doctor".

What's the difference between "put at ease" and "set at ease"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "put at ease" is more commonly used. "Set at ease" is less frequent but still acceptable; it also describes the act of relieving someone's worry or anxiety. You may also say ""set one's mind at rest"".