soften things up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soften things up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an effort to make a situation less tense, or to lessen the intensity of a difficult conversation. For example: "I tried to soften things up by offering a cup of tea and a few kind words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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.

The New York Times

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 New York Times

"We had such a strong squad that we could soften things up with attacks of our own, pull back the dangerous breaks by rivals and then set things up for me to make the final move," Pooley, a silver medallist in the Beijing Olympic Games time-trial, said afterwards.

Independent

When the tour reached Athens, students reportedly stormed the stage, put Dizzy on their shoulders and chanted "Dizzy, Dizzy, Dizzy!" And to think he would only have to wait eight more years for Lyndon Johnson to sign the Civil Rights Act.Would that we could send him to soften things up in Afghanistan now.

The Economist

It's taken a few punches to the middle to soften things up enough to encourage more transparency on Twitter's part, but now that the dialogue appears engaged via the media, the real work needs to begin in earnest with Twitter's owners in the Track cloud.

TechCrunch

Curiously, he chose on Thursday afternoon to soften things up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He softened things up with lace-edged linens and 18th-century white Meissen plates, which he had in storage.

The New York Times - Style

(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).

The New York Times

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.

The New Yorker

"Robert definitely helps soften things," Morris said.

The New York Times - Sports

After years of going at it with Apple, Microsoft was looking to soften things a bit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: the phrase is appropriate in situations where easing tension or reducing resistance is necessary for progress.

Common error

Avoid using "soften things up" when describing actions that are manipulative or deceptive. The phrase should imply a genuine effort to ease tension, not to exploit a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "soften things up" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to describe actions aimed at reducing tension, easing conflict, or creating a more receptive environment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English. This idiomatic function allows it to convey nuanced intentions beyond the literal meanings of its constituent words.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "soften things up" is a usable and grammatically sound phrasal verb that effectively conveys the act of easing tension or creating a more receptive environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is appropriate for various contexts, primarily within news media and general discourse. While it's not overly formal, it serves as a practical way to describe efforts aimed at facilitating smoother interactions and negotiations. Consider the related phrases and usage patterns to refine your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defuse the situation

Highlights the reduction of a potentially volatile situation.

ease tensions

Focuses specifically on reducing tension or conflict.

take the edge off

Suggests reducing the intensity or severity of something.

pave the way

Similar to 'smooth the path' but suggests more active preparation.

smooth the path

Implies removing obstacles to make something easier.

prepare the ground

Implies preparing for a future event or action.

make more palatable

Focuses on making something more acceptable or agreeable.

temper the impact

Focuses on lessening the negative effects of something.

mollify

A more formal term for calming or appeasing someone.

assuage

Similar to 'mollify', implying the alleviation of negative feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "soften things up" in a sentence?

You can use "soften things up" to describe actions taken to make a situation less tense or more agreeable. For example, "I tried to "soften things up" before the meeting by sharing some positive news".

What are some alternatives to "soften things up"?

Alternatives to "soften things up" include phrases like "ease tensions", "smooth the path", or "defuse the situation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "soften things up" formal or informal?

"Soften things up" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "alleviate concerns" or "mitigate tension".

How does "soften things up" differ from "sweeten the deal"?

"Soften things up" implies making a situation less tense or more receptive, while "sweeten the deal" refers to adding incentives or benefits to make an offer more attractive. They address different aspects of persuasion and negotiation.