tapers off

USAGE SUMMARY

"tapers off" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to gradually decrease in intensity or amount. You can use "tapers off" in a sentence when describing something that gradually decreases or becomes less: - The music slowly tapers off as the party comes to an end. - Her interest in the project tapers off after the first few weeks. - The winter weather tapers off by the end of March. - Sales usually taper off during the summer months. - The effect of the medication tapers off after a few hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It tapers off without resolution.

The New York Times - Books

And if growth tapers off, so will job creation.

The New York Times

Well, we had our elections…" He tapers off as an aide comes to his rescue.

The Guardian

As domestic output tapers off, this ratio is bound to rise.

The Economist

Historically, American aid tapers off in Pakistan whenever civilians come to power.

The New York Times

Everyone else From there, evidence of sustainability efforts by other corporate sponsors tapers off sharply.

The Guardian

His right arm, which tapers off below the elbow, hangs at his side.Money is changing the league.

The Economist

So the production of piano concertos tapers off, and there are no more symphonies after the colossal "Jupiter," of 1788.

The New Yorker

Summer driving normally tapers off after the Labor Day weekend, and that should help keep a lid on prices.

The New York Times

Bond trading typically tapers off at the end of the year as fund managers close out their positions.

The New York Times

The next couple of days it tapers off so you have enough energy for your game again".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tapers off" to describe a gradual decline in intensity, quantity, or activity. It is particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of natural or expected reduction over time.

Common error

Avoid using "tapers off" when describing sudden or immediate endings. This phrase emphasizes a gradual decline, not a sharp cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tapers off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes the process of something gradually diminishing or decreasing in intensity, amount, or extent. Ludwig shows examples where it describes the decline of economic growth, enthusiasm, or even physical attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tapers off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a gradual decrease or decline. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general writing. While "tapers off" suggests a gradual decline, avoid using it when describing abrupt stops. Alternatives like ""gradually decreases"" or "slowly declines" offer similar meanings but can subtly alter the emphasis. Remembering these nuances will help you use "tapers off" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradually decreases

Focuses on the act of decreasing over time, similar to "tapers off" but lacks the imagery of a gradual slope.

slowly declines

Emphasizes a slow rate of decline, suggesting a more prolonged reduction than "tapers off".

diminishes gradually

Highlights a reduction in size or importance, aligning with the sense of decreasing in "tapers off".

lessens over time

Indicates a reduction in intensity or amount as time passes, comparable to the gradual reduction implied by "tapers off".

fades away

Suggests a gradual disappearance, conveying a slightly more poetic sense of decline than "tapers off".

winds down

Implies a controlled or deliberate reduction, differing slightly from the potentially natural decline in "tapers off".

eases up

Suggests a reduction in pressure or effort, a nuance not directly present in "tapers off".

dies down

Implies a decrease in activity or excitement, similar to the decline in "tapers off" but with a focus on liveliness.

subsides gradually

Highlights a reduction in intensity, especially of something disruptive or emotional, which "tapers off" doesn't always imply.

abates slowly

Suggests a decrease in something negative or intense, such as a storm or pain, conveying a more forceful reduction than "tapers off".

FAQs

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

Use "tapers off" to describe a gradual reduction in something. For example, "The music "gradually decreases" towards the end of the concert."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""gradually decreases"", "slowly declines", or "diminishes gradually".

Is it correct to say "the sound tapers off quickly"?

While grammatically correct, it might be slightly contradictory. "Tapers off" implies a gradual decline, so using "quickly" might create a mixed message. Consider using an alternative like "fades away rapidly".

What does "tapers off" imply about the rate of change?

"Tapers off" suggests a gradual and continuous decrease, not an abrupt stop or intermittent changes. It implies a smooth reduction over time, unlike something that "stops suddenly".