to unwind

USAGE SUMMARY

"to unwind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of relaxing after a particularly stressful or tiring experience. For example, "After a long day at work, I like to go for a jog to unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everyone needs a place to unwind.

The New York Times

"And it began to unwind on him".

The New York Times

Beljan used to unwind by riding motorcycles.

The New York Times - Sports

That gives me a chance to unwind.

The New York Times

"A good way to unwind and chill".

The New York Times

We do not watch TV to unwind.

The New York Times

The perfect place to unwind and relax.

The Guardian - Travel

Mara's character listens to Portishead to unwind.

The Guardian - Film

A beautiful game to unwind with.

The Guardian - Tech

But now it was time to unwind.

The New York Times

They get to unwind with us".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to unwind" when you want to describe the process of relaxing and relieving stress after a period of activity or tension.

Common error

While "to unwind" is widely accepted, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "to relax" or "to de-stress" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to unwind" is as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verb complement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to unwind" is a common and grammatically sound infinitive phrase primarily used to describe the act of relaxing and relieving stress. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, and it is widely found in neutral contexts like News & Media. While generally versatile, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or business settings. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase effectively communicates the intention to de-stress and relax after a period of activity or tension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to relax

Focuses more broadly on becoming less tense, not necessarily after stress.

to de-stress

Emphasizes the reduction of stress specifically.

to chill out

Informal way to express relaxation and calmness.

to wind down

Implies a gradual transition from activity to rest.

to loosen up

Suggests becoming less formal or rigid, often in social situations.

to kick back

Informal and implies resting comfortably.

to take it easy

Suggests avoiding strenuous activity and relaxing.

to take a breather

Implies a short break for rest and recovery.

to recharge

Focuses on restoring energy after depletion.

to compose oneself

Emphasizes regaining emotional control and calmness.

FAQs

How can I use "to unwind" in a sentence?

You can use "to unwind" to describe relaxing after a stressful period. For example, "After work, I like "to unwind" by reading a book."

What are some alternatives to "to unwind"?

Alternatives include "to relax", "to de-stress", or "to chill out" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is "to unwind" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "to unwind" is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider "to relax" or similar phrases.

What's the difference between "to unwind" and "to wind down"?

"To unwind" often implies releasing stress after a period of activity, while "to wind down" suggests a gradual transition to rest or inactivity.