The phrase "soften things" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to make something less harsh or severe. Example: "The boss tried to soften things by offering a compromise."
"Robert definitely helps soften things," Morris said.
Curiously, he chose on Thursday afternoon to soften things up.
"One of my challenges in doing more modern residences these days is just sort of to soften things," he said.
To soften things up, Mr. Costa included some wafting georgette numbers in a smudgy black print; a shirtdress recalled a famous style worn by the model Lisa Taylor in a Helmut Newton photo, along with a seductive gaze.
To soften things up, Mr. Costa included some wafting georgette numbers in a smudgy black print; a shirtdress recalled a famous style worn by the model Lisa Taylor in a Helmut Newton photo.
The familiar stereotype of Robin as bold, witty and courteous is already present, but he is also cruel and ruthless – and there is no Maid Marian or Friar Tuck to soften things.
He softened things up with lace-edged linens and 18th-century white Meissen plates, which he had in storage.
(Though her "moment," thus far, was when she softened things up at the London premiere of her film, wearing an angelic white Givenchy couture gown that had critics swooning).
It's lovely in its way, with a mass of morning-glory vines softening things up, and, in lieu of actual trees, a mural of woodland scenes painted along the outside wall.
Let's take a moment to examine that last sentence... Isn't it phrased in such a way as to soften those things the first part of the sentence claims not to excuse?
Yet there was light, too, and it seemed to be softening those things I looked at.
