quell it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quell it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to suppressing or calming something, such as a feeling, situation, or disturbance. Example: "In an effort to quell it, she took deep breaths and focused on her surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I was called in to quell it; its name, as it happens, was Ben.

The Guardian

When a state is threatened, it sends its henchmen out to quell it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then they worked to quell it.

The New York Times

It criminalises opposition and uses brutal force to quell it.

The Guardian - Books

The security forces, despite training by American contractors, are simply not professional enough to quell it.

The Economist

And the International Association of Athletics Federations IAAFF) did nothing to quell it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I remember quelling it without much resistance.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hoh argues that our military presence is feeding the insurgency, not quelling it.

The New York Times

The government quelled it in the usual manner, rounding up the ringleaders and promising the others more money.

The Economist

In April 1860 a Mazzinian-inspired insurrection broke out in Palermo (the Gancia revolt), and, although it was quickly quelled, it spread throughout the island.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In their different frustrations, Mr. Voigt and Mr. Nier suggest the diversity of German anger and the potential difficulty of quelling it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required. While "quell it" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "suppress it" or "subdue it".

Common error

Avoid using "quell it" in overly casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday speech. Opt for simpler terms like "stop it" or "calm it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quell it" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It signifies the act of suppressing, subduing, or calming something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quell it" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the act of suppressing or calming something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in news and media contexts, suggesting its relevance in describing events that require containment or control. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the context and choose alternatives like "subdue it" or "calm it down" to match the desired level of formality or intensity. When writing, ensure the referent of "it" is clear and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suppress it

This is a direct synonym, implying holding something back.

curb it

This alternative implies restraining or controlling something.

stifle it

This suggests preventing something from developing or being expressed.

subdue it

This alternative suggests a more forceful suppression.

pacify it

This suggests calming something, often used in the context of people or emotions.

extinguish it

This suggests ending something completely, like a fire or a rebellion.

dampen it

This implies reducing the intensity of something.

squash it

This suggests completely crushing or eliminating something.

put it down

This is a more colloquial way of saying to suppress something, like a revolt.

muffle it

This implies reducing the sound or visibility of something.

FAQs

How can I use "quell it" in a sentence?

Use "quell it" when you want to describe the act of suppressing or calming something. For example, "The government used force to quell the uprising."

What can I say instead of "quell it"?

You can use alternatives like "subdue it", "suppress it", or "curb it" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "quell it" or "quell down"?

"Quell it" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Quell down" is redundant because "quell" already implies a reduction or suppression.

What's the difference between "quell it" and "calm it down"?

"Quell it" often implies a more forceful or authoritative suppression, while "calm it down" suggests a gentler approach to reducing intensity or agitation.