slackened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slackened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduction in tension, speed, or intensity, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "As the storm passed, the winds gradually slackened, bringing a sense of calm to the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dan Biggar filled the vacuum, his hold on the game slackened only slightly – and slightly weirdly – by the knee to Rhys Webb's derriere, the bruise that meant his scrum-half partner was not able to offer him the breathing space that comes with an alternative threat.

The Guardian - Sport

As soon as the worst of that crisis was over, reform efforts slackened.

The Economist

As El Niño slackened, a stubborn dome of high pressure and dry air settled over the Florida peninsula, locked in place by the jet stream.

The Economist

Helped by a fall in petrol prices, CPI inflation slackened in October, to 2.3%.

The Economist

The pace of change has slackened and Russians are preoccupied less with the threat of civil war than with bewildering economic transformation, much like their bourgeois great-grandparents in the 1890s.

The Economist

Although the pace of consumer spending slackened in the middle of the 2000s, that was against a background of remarkably low real income growth, which meant that consumers had to resort to extra borrowing.

The Economist

The British left wing, after its first victorious advance on Saturday, was compelled to fall back a little, and the rate of progress, therefore, slackened.

The Economist

Estonia could be assessed a few months after the other two entrants: by then its growth and inflation may have slackened.

The Economist

It has brought the prices of materials and energy down sharply and slackened the labour market.

The Economist

Russia's GDP growth slackened to 4.9% in the year to the first quarter.

The Economist

Briefly, the violence slackened, to return in full force with his continued incarceration.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slackened" to describe a process or activity that has become less intense or active over time. It's effective for describing economic trends, natural phenomena, or personal efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "slackened" when you simply mean 'stopped'. "Slackened" implies a gradual decrease, not a complete cessation. For complete stops, consider alternatives like "halted", "ceased", or "ended".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slackened" is as the past tense form of the verb 'to slacken'. It typically functions as the main verb in a sentence, describing a decrease in intensity, speed, or force. Ludwig provides examples where it describes the slowing of economic growth or the reduction of wind speed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slackened" is a versatile verb form indicating a decrease in intensity, speed, or force. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in news and media and encyclopedias. While "slackened" is generally considered neutral in tone, it's essential to distinguish its nuanced meaning of gradual reduction from a complete cessation. To ensure accurate usage, writers should consider the specific context and opt for alternative phrases like "eased off" or "slowed down" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eased off

Indicates a gradual reduction in intensity or effort.

let up

Suggests a temporary reduction or pause in something.

slowed down

Focuses on a decrease in speed or pace.

decreased

A general term for becoming smaller or less.

diminished

Implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

subsided

Suggests a calming down or settling after a period of activity.

abated

Indicates a reduction in intensity or severity, often in the context of something negative.

tapered off

Suggests a gradual decrease, often over a period of time.

lessened

A simple term for becoming less in amount, degree, or intensity.

moderated

Implies a reduction to a more reasonable or acceptable level.

FAQs

How can I use "slackened" in a sentence?

You can use "slackened" to describe something that has become less active, intense, or forceful. For example, "As the storm passed, the wind "slackened"." or "After the initial surge, consumer spending "slackened"."

What are some synonyms for "slackened"?

Alternatives for "slackened" include "slowed down", "eased off", "let up", and "diminished". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "slackened" formal or informal?

"Slackened" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term, suitable for use in news articles, academic writing, and professional communications. It is less common in very informal or casual conversation.

What's the difference between "slackened" and "slowed"?

While both words describe a decrease in speed or activity, "slackened" often implies a reduction in tension or force, whereas "slowed" simply means a decrease in speed. For example, "The rope "slackened"" suggests it became less tight, while "The car "slowed down"" indicates a reduction in velocity.