settle him down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle him down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to calming someone or helping them to relax, often in a context involving children or pets. Example: "After the excitement of the party, I had to settle him down with a bedtime story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Settle him down and he shrinks back into Bruce.

The New York Times

So Velazquez wrapped him up to settle him down and suddenly was nearly 14 lengths behind.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't try to settle him down," said Moss, who caught three of Pennington's four touchdown tosses.

The New York Times - Sports

Andersen exacerbated matters by pushing back against the referee Marc Davis, who was trying to settle him down and break up the altercation.

The New York Times - Sports

"Quite simply, we didn't have the time between races to get the work into him to settle him down," Palmer said.

The Guardian - Sport

So I'd get a signal from Keane that meant 'Go on out there and settle him down,' but then I'd look out and see Hoot glaring in at me".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Right away the poisons settled him down in a way that even the morphine did not.

The New Yorker

Jean Cruguet, the seasoned French jockey who had ridden him in all of his races, settled him down and then proceeded to pick holes in the wall of horses to slip through.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We settled him down and then he left again not long afterwards.' Virtually all Heath Mount pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds and come to the school in the early stages of learning English.

The Guardian

The dog proved to be the right medicine, Mr. Ovsishcher said: Mickey woke him from nightmares by sensing something was wrong and barking, settled him down when he was alone and anxious, and even checked up on him "like a registered nurse" when he had a fever.

The New York Times

It was great movement from the corner and for David Goodwillie to get a hat-trick is great for his confidence and hopefully that settles him down now and takes the pressure off him.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle him down", consider the context. It's often used in situations where someone is agitated, excited, or anxious. Ensure the tone matches the situation to effectively convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "settle him down" in highly formal or professional contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound too casual. Opt for more formal alternatives like "calm him" or "pacify him" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle him down" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of making someone calmer or less agitated. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in written English and commonly refers to calming someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle him down" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of calming someone who is agitated or excited. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. More formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "calm him" or "pacify him". Its primary function is to encourage calmness or reduce excitement, and it is frequently found in news, media, and sports reporting. Remember to consider the audience and setting when choosing between "settle him down" and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calm him

Focuses on reducing someone's agitation or excitement level.

pacify him

Emphasizes quieting or appeasing someone who is angry or upset.

soothe him

Highlights comforting someone to alleviate distress.

tranquilize him

Implies using something to make someone calmer, possibly medication.

appease him

Suggests satisfying someone by acceding to their demands.

mollify him

Means to reduce someone's anger or anxiety.

quiet him

Focuses on making someone less noisy or disruptive.

cool him off

Implies reducing someone's anger or excitement.

take the edge off him

Suggests reducing someone's tension or intensity.

bring him to rest

More formal, suggesting guiding someone to a state of calmness and composure.

FAQs

How can I use "settle him down" in a sentence?

You can use "settle him down" to describe the act of calming someone who is agitated or excited. For example: "After the game, it took a while to "settle him down" because he was so hyped up."

What's a more formal alternative to "settle him down"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "calm him" or "pacify him". These options convey a similar meaning but are more appropriate for professional settings.

Is it appropriate to use "settle him down" when referring to adults?

Yes, it can be used for adults, especially in informal settings or when someone is acting childishly or irrationally. However, consider the context and relationship with the person, as it might sound condescending in some situations.

What is the difference between "settle him down" and "calm him down"?

"Settle him down" and "calm him down" are quite similar. "Settle him down" might imply a more gradual or gentle process, while "calm him down" can suggest a more immediate need to reduce agitation.