quiet down

USAGE SUMMARY

"quiet down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when asking someone to calm down or be less noisy. For example: "Guys, please quiet down, I can't concentrate on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The mind has to quiet down.

The New York Times

Make the crowd quiet down".

The New York Times - Sports

The teacher tells them to quiet down.

The New York Times

When things quiet down, they re-emerge".

The New York Times

"It makes your stomach quiet down".

The New York Times

"We need to quiet down a bit," Mr. Watt said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Hold up!" The crowd would not quiet down.

The New Yorker

The cast of Les Miserables will not quiet down.

The Guardian - Film

"I won't quiet down until they're free," he says.

The Guardian

But things are finally beginning to quiet down with the approach of summer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He's a very quiet, down-to-earth person.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quiet down" in written dialogue, consider the speaker's tone and relationship to the listener. The phrase can range from a polite request to a stern command.

Common error

Avoid using "quiet down" in very formal writing; opt for more professional alternatives like "please be silent" or "cease the noise" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "quiet down" primarily functions as an imperative, often used to request or instruct someone to reduce noise or activity. Ludwig examples show its use in direct commands and indirect requests, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quiet down" is a versatile phrasal verb used to request or instruct someone to reduce noise or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. As seen in the examples, "quiet down" is frequently encountered in news, media, and how-to guides. For situations needing alternative expressions, consider options like "become quiet", "calm down", or the more direct "hush".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quieten

A less common variant of "quiet down", suggesting a decrease in noise.

become quiet

Focuses on the state of being quiet, rather than the act of becoming quiet.

grow quiet

Similar to 'become quiet', focusing on the gradual change to a silent state.

fall silent

Describes the action of becoming silent.

calm down

Implies a reduction in emotional intensity or agitation, in addition to noise.

settle down

Implies a return to a more stable or calm state.

hush

A more abrupt and direct command to be silent.

subside

Refers to a reduction in intensity, which can apply to noise or activity.

pipe down

An informal and sometimes impolite way to tell someone to be quiet.

become still

Focuses on ceasing movement, implying a reduction in activity rather than noise.

FAQs

How can I use "quiet down" in a sentence?

You can use "quiet down" when asking someone to be less noisy, such as, "Please "quiet down", I'm trying to concentrate."

What's a more formal way to say "quiet down"?

In formal settings, you could use phrases like "please be silent" or "cease the noise".

Is "quiet down" appropriate for all situations?

While generally acceptable, "quiet down" might be too informal for very formal or professional settings. Consider your audience and the context.

What's the difference between "calm down" and "quiet down"?

"Calm down" usually refers to reducing emotional agitation, while "quiet down" focuses on reducing noise levels, though they can sometimes overlap in meaning.