things calmed down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things calmed down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where tension or chaos has subsided, leading to a more peaceful or stable environment. Example: "After the heated debate, things calmed down, and everyone was able to discuss their opinions more rationally."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

By the time things calmed down, St . Louisled by five runs.

The New York Times - Sports

Once things calmed down, Pelfrey picked Ross off first base to end the inning.

The New York Times - Sports

Things calmed down after three tries in eight minutes with Myler and Laidlaw exchanging penalties before Northampton's final assault.

The Guardian - Sport

When things calmed down, Kaukenas returned to basketball, a tall boy with ambition, a good jump shot and a willingness to work.

The New York Times - Sports

Things calmed down considerably after that, but in Cianci's extended audience the sound of his silence was as disquieting as any noise he ever made.

The New Yorker

But when things calmed down, Ms. Twain sounded comfortable and strong, especially during a segment late in the evening when she invited some fans onstage to join her for a campfire singalong.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Things calm down during "Yrushalem" ("Jerusalem"), which, like the opening of "Azul," becomes quizzical and ruminative.

The New York Times - Arts

When things calm down, you can tell your child you weren't happy with what you said.

University of California, Berkeley

"When things calm down, they will be thanking me!" Trump wrote.

The Washington Post

He added: "I hope things calm down as soon as possible.

The Guardian

They want us to know that nowhere is safe". He added: "I hope things calm down as soon as possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things calmed down" to indicate a return to normalcy after a period of excitement, stress, or conflict. For example, "After the initial frenzy, things calmed down, and we could assess the damage."

Common error

Avoid using "things calmed down" to describe situations that are actively chaotic. This phrase is best used to indicate a past state of reduced tension, not the present moment of chaos.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things calmed down" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a change of state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the numerous examples show how it's used to describe a reduction in tension or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things calmed down" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a reduction in tension, chaos, or excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage spans from news reports to personal narratives, offering a concise way to indicate that a turbulent period has ended and stability has been restored. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives like "the situation stabilized" or "tensions eased" in professional or academic settings. Remember to use "things calmed down" to describe past events, not ongoing chaotic situations. Furthermore the most authoritative sources that use this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation stabilized

Emphasizes the return to a stable state after a period of turbulence.

the tension eased

Focuses specifically on the reduction of tension.

the atmosphere relaxed

Highlights the change in the overall mood or environment.

order was restored

Implies a return to a structured or controlled state.

the crisis subsided

Suggests a decline in the intensity of a critical situation.

the storm passed

Uses a metaphorical image to describe the end of a turbulent period.

peace was restored

Emphasizes the return to a state of tranquility.

the dust settled

Suggests a period of inactivity after a commotion, allowing clarity to emerge.

the uproar diminished

Focuses on the reduction of noise or commotion.

the commotion ceased

Highlights the complete stop of chaos or disturbance.

FAQs

How can I use "things calmed down" in a sentence?

You can use "things calmed down" to describe a situation where a period of excitement, unrest, or chaos has subsided. For example: "After the initial panic, "things calmed down", and we were able to assess the situation rationally."

What's a more formal alternative to "things calmed down"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the situation stabilized", "tensions eased", or "order was restored" as alternatives to "things calmed down".

What does it mean when "things calmed down"?

When "things calmed down", it means that a situation that was previously turbulent, chaotic, or intense has become more peaceful, stable, or manageable.

Is "things calm down" grammatically correct?

While "things calm down" is grammatically correct, "things calmed down" (past tense) is typically used to describe a situation that has already become less turbulent. "Things calm down" is more appropriate to express hope for a future state of peace such as "I hope "things calm down" soon".