relax

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "relax" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being in which you are feeling emotionally calm, or a physical state of not feeling tense. For example: "After a long day at work, I came home and relaxed in my favorite chair with a cup of tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do you relax?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The Greek government gambled that if it negotiated with us, the ECB would open its cashier windows, relax the rules," the Dutchman said in a television interview.

The Guardian - Business

But the prime minister's ability to relax can cause problems, such as when last year's riots intruded upon his summer holiday in Tuscany and he was slow to realise the enormity of the situation.

The Guardian

There was a time that I drank to relax and have fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Adario is also very worried about imminent changes in the laws in Brazil, which will once again relax the strictures against forest development.

The Guardian

Related: US immigration reform bill passes Senate in rare breakthrough Rubio stressed that parts of the Senate bill – such a tougher border controls – were still desperately needed but acknowledged that critics who warned that such things would be neglected in the rush to relax deportation rules had been "proven to be true" by the actions of the president.

The Guardian

If I'd have been able to relax, prance around, sing in the street, I might be a different person now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I find that, for me, the best way to relax and unwind is to exercise; I have taken up running and am currently training for my first 10k race.

The Guardian

Alternatively, you can relax in the backpacker town of El Chaltén, admiring the views, the condors and the craft beers – La Vineria has a great stock of ales and Patagonian wines.

The Guardian - Travel

You try to relax as much as possible so you can get up for the next point.

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't relax with you any more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "relax", consider the specific context. For instance, use "calm down" in stressful situations and "unwind" for leisurely settings. This nuances your communication and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "relax" in highly formal or professional documents where more precise language may be required. Opt for terms like "alleviate tension" or "de-escalate" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relax" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of becoming less tense, anxious, or stressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relax" is a versatile and commonly used verb that describes the act of becoming less tense or stressed. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, and examples from diverse sources, primarily News & Media, demonstrate its widespread use. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives. Understanding these nuances enables effective communication across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calm down

Refers specifically to becoming less agitated or stressed.

unwind

Implies a gradual release of tension and stress.

de-stress

Focuses on reducing stress levels.

loosen up

Suggests becoming less stiff or formal, both physically and mentally.

take it easy

An idiomatic expression encouraging someone to be calm and avoid overexertion.

chill out

An informal term for relaxing and becoming less stressed.

rest

Focuses on physical relaxation and recovery.

recharge

Implies restoring energy and vitality through relaxation.

rejuvenate

Suggests revitalizing and restoring oneself to a more youthful state.

find serenity

Highlights achieving a state of peace and tranquility.

FAQs

How can I use "relax" in a sentence?

You can use "relax" in a sentence to describe the act of becoming less tense or stressed, such as, "After a long day, I like to "relax" by reading a book".

What can I say instead of "relax"?

You can use alternatives like "calm down", "unwind", or "chill out" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "relax yourself"?

While "relax" can be used intransitively (e.g., "I need to relax"), using it reflexively as "relax yourself" is less common. It is generally better to say "relax" or "calm yourself".

What's the difference between "relax" and "loosen up"?

"Relax" generally refers to reducing tension or stress, while "loosen up" often implies becoming less formal, stiff, or reserved.