taper off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'taper off' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a gradual decrease or decrease in intensity over time, as in "Sales of the product began to taper off after the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other times phrases would taper off cleanly.

The New York Times - Arts

But that hiring should taper off quickly.

The New York Times

Rain should taper off through the afternoon.

The Washington Post

After that, the payments will taper off for three years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

WHEN is the rain expected to taper off?

The New York Times

Daltrey pursued acting while letting his solo career taper off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's likely to taper off in the future".

The New York Times

Precipitation should taper off between midnight and 1 a.m.

The Washington Post

Cherlin said the immigrant baby boom will eventually taper off.

The Washington Post

Forecasters expected the snow to taper off by early afternoon.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, she says, "people do taper off.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process involving reduction, ensure the subject actually decreases over time; otherwise, consider using alternatives like "adjust" or "modify".

Common error

Avoid using "taper off" when referring to abrupt endings or sudden changes. This phrase specifically implies a gradual reduction, not an instantaneous stop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taper off" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating a gradual decrease or decline. Ludwig examples illustrate its use across various contexts, showing how things like rain, medication dosages, or interest can "taper off" over time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taper off" signifies a gradual reduction or decline and is grammatically sound for use in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts. When using "taper off", remember it implies a gradual process, not an abrupt end. Alternatives include "gradually decrease" or "diminish slowly", which can offer a better nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decrease

Focuses on the step-by-step reduction, emphasizing the process.

lessen gradually

Directly states the lessening aspect of the process.

diminish slowly

Highlights the slowing pace of the reduction.

decline steadily

Suggests a consistent downward trend.

peter out

Implies a complete cessation after a gradual decline.

subside gradually

Commonly used in the context of emotions or phenomena decreasing.

ebb away

Evokes a sense of something receding or diminishing like a tide.

wind down

Suggests a controlled and deliberate reduction.

die down

Implies a reduction in intensity, often used for sounds or activity.

fade away

Emphasizes the eventual disappearance of something.

FAQs

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

"Taper off" describes a gradual decrease. For example, "The medication dosage will "gradually decrease" over several weeks" or "The rain is expected to "subside gradually" this afternoon".

What's the difference between "taper off" and "stop abruptly"?

"Taper off" implies a gradual reduction, whereas "stop abruptly" means a sudden cessation. They are antonyms describing opposite ways that something can end or diminish.

Are there situations where "taper off" is not appropriate?

Yes, "taper off" isn't suitable when describing events that end suddenly. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "The explosion tapered off"; instead, use "The explosion stopped abruptly".

What can I say instead of "taper off"?

You can use alternatives like ""gradually decrease"", "diminish slowly", or "decline steadily" depending on the context.