tempered with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tempered with' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase means to adjust or to moderate something in order to make it less extreme. It can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "John's enthusiasm for the project had to be tempered with a dose of realism in order to get the proposal accepted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But such joy was tempered with uncertainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

But its euphoria is tempered with caution.

The New York Times

"But it was tempered with ambivalence.

The New York Times

In these works, his natural acidity is tempered with sweetness.

The New Yorker

Aggressive outbursts were tempered with occasional moments of respite.

The New York Times - Arts

But this must also be tempered with realism.

The Economist

But optimism must always be tempered with caution.

The Economist

But even her sunniest memories are tempered with shadows.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I could hear her being more short-tempered with her students," Latifah said.

Huffington Post

Maybe I am confusing being "hot-tempered" with being "hot-blooded" and/or being "hot".

Huffington Post

There are more serious adverse events with agency nurses – they are bad-tempered with patients.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tempered with", ensure that the elements being combined create a sense of balance or moderation, not complete alteration. For example, "enthusiasm tempered with caution" implies restraint, not a complete lack of enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "tempered with" without clearly stating what the subject is tempered by. A sentence like "His response was tempered with" lacks clarity. Always complete the thought: "His response was tempered with understanding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tempered with" functions as a modifier, indicating that a quality or feeling is being moderated or balanced by another. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests a less intense or extreme version of something. For example, "optimism tempered with caution."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tempered with" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating that a quality or feeling is being moderated or balanced by another. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When using "tempered with", clarity is crucial, ensuring that the element being moderated and the moderating influence are explicitly stated. Alternatives like "balanced by" or "moderated by" can offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. The abundance of examples highlights its relevance and practical applicability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

counterbalanced with

Similar to "balanced by" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on opposing forces maintaining equilibrium.

balanced by

Suggests an equilibrium is achieved, emphasizing equalizing forces rather than a simple addition.

moderated by

Implies a controlling or restraining influence, shifting the focus from mixture to regulation.

softened by

Highlights the reduction of harshness, changing the image towards gentleness.

qualified by

Highlights the introduction of a condition or limitation, changing the tone towards precision and accuracy.

mitigated by

Emphasizes the lessening of negative effects, altering the focus to damage control.

eased by

Conveys a reduction in severity, changing the emphasis from modification to relief.

alleviated by

Suggests a reduction in pain or distress, shifting the concept toward comfort.

combined with

Focuses on the act of joining or uniting two things, minimizing the sense of moderation.

mixed with

Indicates a less precise or controlled blending, reducing the implication of purposeful adjustment.

FAQs

How can I use "tempered with" in a sentence?

Use "tempered with" to indicate that something is made less extreme by the presence of another quality. For instance, "Her joy was "tempered with" sadness" shows a mix of emotions.

What does "tempered with" mean?

"Tempered with" means that something has been modified or moderated by the influence of something else, usually to make it less intense or extreme.

What are some alternatives to "tempered with"?

You can use alternatives like "balanced by", "moderated by", or "qualified by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "tempered by" instead of "tempered with"?

While "tempered by" can sometimes be used, "tempered with" is more common when indicating that something is mixed or combined with another element to achieve moderation. "Tempered by" often implies a more direct influence.