reasonably calm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonably calm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being calm to a moderate or acceptable degree, often in situations that might typically provoke anxiety or stress. Example: "Despite the chaos around her, she remained reasonably calm during the emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I probably give a reasonably calm outward disposition".

The Guardian

Mr. F. said that the day had been reasonably calm.

The New Yorker

"People stayed reasonably calm, but there were a few very scared people, calling family and friends.

The Guardian

I was reasonably calm but I think I remember leaving the auditorium on my hands and knees.

The Guardian - Film

But now those troops are playing a major role in keeping Freetown reasonably calm, United Nations officials say.

The New York Times

Still, the family all seemed reasonably calm despite a 5 a.m. wake-up call and a seven-hour drive across two states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The first 120km of racing was reasonably flat and calm with a four-man breakaway - which included Christophe Riblon, who won a similar race to Ax 3 Domaines in the 2010 Tour - opening up a lead of more than nine minutes at one point.

BBC

He knocked the two attic rooms together to create the light, calm and reasonably orderly place you see here.

The Guardian - Books

Anyway, not much here that we didn't hear earlier: Geithner is the calm face of reasonably predicting eventual success.

Huffington Post

Few seem even to notice the volcano, other than Koichi, who reasonably wonders why everyone is so calm.

The New York Times

The king and his new queen enjoyed a reasonably happy accord with periods of calm and affection.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "reasonably calm" with specific scenarios to create a vivid picture. For example: "Despite the engine failure, the pilot remained reasonably calm as he guided the plane to an emergency landing".

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably calm" when describing situations that require complete and unwavering composure. If absolute stillness is needed, consider "completely calm" or "perfectly composed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably calm" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, where "reasonably" acts as an adverb intensifying the adjective "calm". It indicates a moderate degree of calmness, as showcased by Ludwig AI's examples. It describes a state that is composed but not necessarily perfectly serene.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reasonably calm" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of moderate composure. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its acceptability and common use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It's important to note that "reasonably calm" implies a controlled reaction rather than absolute serenity, making it suitable for describing situations where some level of stress or excitement is present. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "moderately composed" or "fairly tranquil" to maintain a similar nuance. Understanding these subtleties will help writers use the phrase more effectively and avoid overstating the level of calmness in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately composed

Focuses on a measured and controlled state of mind.

fairly tranquil

Highlights a peaceful and serene condition.

somewhat placid

Emphasizes a gentle and undisturbed demeanor.

relatively serene

Highlights a state of peace in comparison to something else.

passably collected

Suggests a degree of composure that is acceptable but not necessarily exceptional.

mildly unruffled

Implies a slight resistance to disturbance or agitation.

noticeably at ease

Emphasizes the observable quality of being relaxed.

appreciably poised

Conveys a sense of balance and readiness, to a noticeable degree.

measurably peaceful

Suggests that the peacefulness can be detected or quantified.

adequately controlled

Focuses on sufficient self-regulation in one's behavior or emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonably calm" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonably calm" to describe someone who is moderately composed in a potentially stressful situation. For example: "She remained "reasonably calm" even when the negotiations became heated".

What's the difference between "reasonably calm" and "completely calm"?

"Reasonably calm" suggests a moderate level of composure, while "completely calm" indicates total serenity and lack of agitation. Use ""reasonably calm"" when someone is mostly but not entirely at peace, and use "completely calm" when they are in a state of total peace.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reasonably calm"?

Alternatives include "moderately composed", "fairly tranquil", or "somewhat placid", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "reasonably calm" in formal writing?

Yes, "reasonably calm" is appropriate for formal writing. While it is not overly sophisticated, it is a clear and professional way to describe a moderate level of composure.