tapering off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tapering off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in intensity, quantity, or frequency of something over time. Example: "The medication was effective at first, but its effects began tapering off after a few weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Climbing quickly, then tapering off.

Harvard Business Review

Meditation, yoga, and acupuncture may help control pain when tapering off opioids.

Harvard University

Far from plateauing or tapering off, prevalence rates continuing to rise.

Harvard University

We also find a time trend to deviations, with the magnitude tapering off as time progresses.

Games and Economic Behavior

My inner frugal banshee started to wail, tapering off to a mournful keen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tapering off with The Great British Bake Off doesn't seem like a realistic option.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company's numbers show sales were gradually tapering off toward the end of February.

The Washington Post

Earlier this year, the Fed believed the economy was stable enough to start tapering off.

The Guardian - Opinion

Along with acidity, it adds snap and zest, tapering off one sip and inviting the next.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even without a tapering-off of economic growth, corporate profits would probably disappoint.

Forbes

If most families were already known, this rate would be tapering off but it isn't.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process of reducing medication, use "tapering off" to indicate a gradual and controlled decrease, emphasizing patient safety and minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

Common error

Avoid using "tapering off" when referring to stopping something immediately. "Tapering off" implies a gradual reduction, not a sudden halt. Use alternative phrasing like "stopping abruptly" or "immediate cessation" for the latter.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tapering off" functions as a descriptor of a gradual reduction or decline. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in diverse scenarios, from medication dosages to economic trends, indicating its versatility in conveying a diminishing process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tapering off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across contexts like medicine, economics, and general trends. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific publications and can range in formality. Remember to use "tapering off" to convey a gradual decline, not an abrupt stop.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gradually decreasing

Focuses on the process of decrease, emphasizing the step-by-step nature of the reduction.

Slowly diminishing

Highlights the slowness of the decline, suggesting a gentle fading away.

Phasing out

Implies a planned or systematic removal of something over time.

Declining gradually

Emphasizes the downward trend and the gradual pace of the decline.

Easing up

Suggests a lessening of pressure or intensity, often used in the context of effort or activity.

Abating

Refers to a reduction in intensity, often used in the context of storms or pain.

Subsiding

Implies a settling or sinking down, often used for water levels or swelling.

Waning

Suggests a decrease in size or intensity, often used for the moon or influence.

Diminishing returns

Specifically describes a point where additional input yields less output, related to gradual reduction in efficiency.

Plateauing

Describes a situation where growth has stopped and the numbers remain roughly the same.

FAQs

How can I describe a gradual decrease using an alternative to "tapering off"?

You can use phrases like "gradually decreasing", "slowly diminishing", or "phasing out" depending on the specific context.

Is "tapering off" applicable in contexts other than medication?

Yes, "tapering off" can be used to describe a gradual decrease in various contexts, such as "the rain was tapering off", "demand is tapering off", or "the mining boom is tapering off".

What's the difference between "tapering" and "tapering off"?

"Tapering" generally refers to becoming gradually narrower, while "tapering off" implies a gradual decrease in quantity, intensity, or frequency.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "tapering off"?

It's inappropriate to use "tapering off" when describing something that stops suddenly or immediately, as the phrase implies a gradual reduction. In those cases, use instead "stopping abruptly" or "immediate cessation".