relent from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relent from" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct.
It can be used when discussing the act of ceasing to be stubborn or giving in to a request or demand, but it is more typical to say "relent" without the preposition. Example: "After much persuasion, she decided to relent and agree to their proposal."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Džeko can remember only too well the heavy guns that fired without relent from the hilltops that surround the stadium.

The Guardian

While a decrease in the number of fatal work injuries is encouraging, we cannot — and will not — relent from our continued strong enforcement of workplace safety laws".

The New York Times

High-Rise by JG Ballard It opens with a man roasting an alsatian over a burning phonebook, and doesn't relent from there on in.

The Guardian - Books

Not for a moment did these fighters, adorned with the insignia of various past Serbian campaigns, relent from singing the praises of Slobodan Milosevic -- savior of the Serbs, leader of the struggle against the "Islamic fundamentalists" of Bosnia.

The New York Times

During a Senate floor speech, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y). focused on the hardships for federal workers because of the partial government shutdown, saying they are "suffering needlessly" because of Trump's unwillingness to relent from his demand for border wall funding.

The Washington Post

The tension doesn't relent from there, even when these dolts goof off.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Some Republicans agreed, relenting from their party's anti-tax orthodoxy.

The Washington Post

We have exhibited diplomacy and they've never relented from their demands".

The New York Times

Tells how he kidnapped and raped a woman in 1980, relented from killing her, and turned himself into the police.

The New Yorker

But ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for 23 October, the authorities have shown no sign of relenting from the security crackdown of recent months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The newly-minted Democratic nominee relented from his former opposition to offshore oil exploration and drilling but said that this was only a "stop gap measure" to supplement his otherwise green energy policies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "relent from" appears in some published sources, consider using the simpler and more widely accepted verb "relent" on its own. If you mean to convey the additional meaning of 'from', consider using related phrases such as "back down from", "retreat from" or "withdraw from".

Common error

Avoid adding "from" after "relent" unnecessarily. The verb already implies a yielding or change in position. Adding "from" can make the sentence sound awkward or less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relent from" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of ceasing resistance or yielding from a particular stance. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage is questionable; the verb "relent" typically stands alone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "relent from" appears in some published sources, it is considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI indicates it is not a typical or recommended usage. The verb "relent" generally stands alone and conveys the meaning of ceasing resistance or yielding. For clarity and correctness, it is best to use "relent" without "from" or choose alternative phrases like "give in", "yield", or "back down". These alternatives are more common and avoid potential grammatical issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give in

Implies ceasing resistance or opposition, often after persuasion or pressure.

yield

Suggests giving way to pressure or influence, often with a sense of resignation.

back down

Indicates withdrawing from a position or demand, often to avoid conflict.

capitulate

Implies surrendering or giving up completely, often in a formal or decisive manner.

acquiesce

Suggests reluctantly agreeing or accepting something without protest.

cave in

Indicates succumbing to pressure or demands, often with a sense of collapse or weakness.

cease resisting

Directly expresses the action of stopping resistance or opposition.

change one's mind

Focuses on the shift in opinion or decision, rather than the act of yielding.

abandon resistance

Similar to "cease resisting" but emphasizes the complete relinquishment of opposition.

become more lenient

Shifts the focus to adopting a more forgiving or permissive attitude.

FAQs

Is "relent from" grammatically correct?

While some sources use "relent from", it's generally considered less grammatically sound than simply using "relent". Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not commonly used and could be considered incorrect.

What does it mean to "relent"?

To "relent" means to become less strict or stubborn, or to give in to pressure or demands. You can use alternatives like "give in" or "yield".

Are there alternatives to "relent from" that are more common?

Yes, several alternatives are more commonly used and considered grammatically correct, such as "give in", "yield", or "back down". These options convey the same meaning without the awkwardness of "relent from".

How can I use "relent" in a sentence?

You can use "relent" to describe someone becoming less strict or stubborn. For example, "After much persuasion, she finally relented and agreed to our proposal." Consider alternatives like "give in" or "acquiesce" depending on the context.