tapered off

USAGE SUMMARY

'tapered off' is an appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe when a trend or activity slows down or decreases gradually. For example, "Sales of the product tapered off after the initial launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Morphine can be tapered off, he teaches.

The New York Times - Health

Despite today's casualties, the violence has tapered off this week.

The New York Times

As growth in China has tapered off, protectionism has surged.

The New Yorker

The need for aid has tapered off in recent quarters.

The New York Times

That tapered off as Iraq assumed more sovereignty.

The New York Times

His recording career had also tapered off recently.

The New York Times - Arts

McDonald's has continued to increase sales solidly since then, although growth has recently tapered off slightly.

The New York Times

As the Velvet Underground's "Heroin" tapered off, the core E.V.R. crew readied the final song.

The New Yorker

Though construction has since tapered off, developers left a mall overstock in their wake.

The Guardian

But growth in the VCR market long ago tapered off to the single-digit range.

The New York Times

Then they tapered off a bit as regression to the mean took its ugly toll.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decline, use "tapered off" to suggest a gradual reduction rather than an abrupt stop. For example, "The initial excitement tapered off after the first week."

Common error

Avoid using "tapered off" when you mean a sudden stop or sharp decline. "Tapered off" specifically implies a gradual decrease, not an immediate cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tapered off" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate. It signifies a gradual decrease or decline in something, such as intensity, frequency, or quantity, as evident in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tapered off" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual decline or reduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a gradual rather than abrupt decrease. Alternatives like "gradually decreased" or "diminished steadily" can be used for variety. Remember that while "tapered off" is widely accepted, accuracy in depicting the nature of decline is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decreased

Emphasizes the slowness and evenness of the decline.

diminished steadily

Highlights the consistent nature of the reduction.

declined incrementally

Focuses on the small steps of the decrease.

eased up

Suggests a lessening of intensity or pressure.

subsided gradually

Implies a calming or settling after a period of activity.

petered out

Indicates a slow and disappointing end.

waned slowly

Emphasizes a loss of strength or influence over time.

lessened over time

Highlights the temporal aspect of the reduction.

shrank gradually

Focuses on the physical reduction in size or amount.

died down

Suggests a reduction in noise, excitement, or activity.

FAQs

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

Use "tapered off" to describe a gradual decline or reduction. For example, "The rain "tapered off" in the afternoon", or "Support for the proposal "tapered off" after the initial enthusiasm".

What's a good alternative to "tapered off"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "tapered off" include "gradually decreased", "diminished steadily", or "declined incrementally".

Is "tapered off" formal or informal?

"Tapered off" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and casual conversations to describe a gradual decrease.

What's the difference between "tapered off" and "stopped abruptly"?

"Tapered off" indicates a gradual decrease, while "stopped abruptly" means a sudden halt. Use "tapered off" when you want to emphasize the gradual nature of the decline.