slacken off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slacken off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reduction in intensity, effort, or pressure in a situation or task. Example: "After weeks of intense training, the coach decided to slacken off the practice schedule to give the athletes some much-needed rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's fantastic that they did not slacken off but went on to score even more goals.

The New York Times - Sports

And now that everyone knows that the Fed is eager to slacken off, it will be hard to get interest rates back down to where they were.

The New York Times

Well might the Chinese slacken off a little, even though the long-term consequences will be dire, according to the country's leaders.

The Guardian

This is not the time to slacken off or give up because if we get this right, the prize is huge.

The Guardian

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has made clear he does not intend to slacken off in any competition and Aguero insists Watford - beaten by City in the third round last year - will not be taken lightly.

Independent

Tenzing himself, now in his forties, is near the age when Sherpa climbers must slacken off, and that he can do so in such unprecedented circumstances is inevitably resented.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Security has noticeably slackened off at Weymouth.

The Guardian - Sport

"I slackened off," he said of his golf.

The Guardian - Sport

Asia's toughening approach contrasts with a slackening off in the West.

The Economist

The decision follows a slackening off in donations as the global financial crisis bites.

The Guardian

Mr Frank reckons that many people would like to work less, if only others slackened off also.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slacken off" when you want to convey a decrease in effort, intensity, or strictness. It's suitable for describing a reduction in training, work pace, or enforcement of rules.

Common error

While "slacken off" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "reduce intensity" or "scale back" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slacken off" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating a reduction in intensity, effort, or pace. Ludwig confirms the usability of the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slacken off" is a common phrasal verb used to describe a reduction in effort, intensity, or strictness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. As shown by Ludwig, it appears often in News & Media sources. Related phrases include "ease up", "let up", and "slow down". Be mindful to adjust the language depending on the formality of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease up

Focuses more on reducing effort or pressure.

let up

Implies a temporary reduction in intensity or effort.

slow down

Specifically refers to reducing speed or pace.

take it easy

Suggests a more relaxed approach.

wind down

Implies a gradual decrease in activity or intensity, often towards the end of something.

scale back

Suggests a reduction in scope or size.

decelerate

A more formal term for slowing down.

reduce intensity

More explicit about lessening the level of effort or force.

become less strict

Emphasizes a relaxation of rules or enforcement.

moderate

Indicates a lessening of extremity or excessiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "slacken off" in a sentence?

You can use "slacken off" to describe a reduction in effort or intensity, as in "After the busy season, we can finally "slacken off" a bit" or "The rain began to "slacken off" in the afternoon".

What can I say instead of "slacken off"?

You can use alternatives like "ease up", "let up", or "slow down" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "slack off" instead of "slacken off"?

Yes, "slack off" is a common variant of "slacken off" and carries the same general meaning. However, "slacken off" may sometimes imply a more gradual or controlled reduction.

What's the difference between "slacken off" and "become less strict"?

"Slacken off" generally refers to a reduction in effort or intensity, while "become less strict" specifically implies a relaxation of rules or enforcement. You might "slacken off" on your workout routine, but a teacher might become less strict with deadlines.