taper down

USAGE SUMMARY

"taper down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean a gradual decrease or gradual drop-off in something. For example: "After months of high demand, sales seemed to taper down during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The subsidy will taper down to 50% for families with annual incomes of $165,000.

The Guardian

I'll taper down for races, and then push on again after they are done.

The Guardian - Sport

Since the arteries don't gradually taper down in their size, high blood pressure can directly damage these arteries.

Harvard University

As-grown SiNWs taper down along the growth direction alongside a decrease in both roughness and stacking fault density.

Acta Materialia

"You're supposed to start with a certain number of pieces a day and taper down," he said.

The New York Times - Style

The car has a low-rider silhouette, imposing grille and shallow side windows that taper down toward the rear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Last year we thought numbers were tapering down," said Doyle.

The Guardian

My walking days tapered down to biweekly excursions.

The New York Times - Travel

Be sure this tapers down and is clear of the turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During presurgical evaluation, antiepileptic drugs are routinely tapered down for seizure recording.

Epilepsy Research

The ceiling is nearly 10 feet high in the middle, tapering down to eight feet at either end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a planned or deliberate reduction, use "taper down" to clearly indicate a gradual and controlled process.

Common error

Ensure your writing accurately reflects a gradual change when using "taper down". Avoid using it when an action or number is being reduced abruptly rather than slowly.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "taper down" functions as a dynamic verb, indicating a process of gradual reduction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a controlled decrease, applicable in contexts ranging from financial subsidies to medication dosages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taper down" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies a gradual reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from discussing financial adjustments to medication dosages. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. Alternatives such as "gradually decrease" or "wind down" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decrease

Focuses on a slow and measured decline.

reduce incrementally

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

decline steadily

Highlights the consistent and unwavering nature of the decrease.

decrease gradually

Similar to 'gradually decrease', but with a slightly different emphasis on the process.

wind down

Suggests a more relaxed or natural conclusion.

ease off

Implies a reduction in effort or intensity.

diminish over time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the reduction.

attenuate gradually

A more formal term for a gradual reduction, often used in scientific contexts.

scale back

Indicates a reduction in size or scope.

phase out

Suggests a planned and systematic elimination.

FAQs

How can I use "taper down" in a sentence?

You can use "taper down" to describe a gradual decrease in something, for example: "The company decided to "scale back" production and "taper down" its workforce over the next year".

What are some alternatives to "taper down"?

Some alternatives to "taper down" include "gradually decrease", "reduce incrementally", or "wind down", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "taper down" or "reduce"?

"Taper down" implies a gradual reduction, while "reduce" can refer to any decrease, whether sudden or gradual. Use "taper down" when you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the decrease.

What does "taper down" mean in the context of medication?

In the context of medication, "taper down" means to gradually reduce the dosage of a drug over time, typically to minimize withdrawal symptoms or other adverse effects.