to wind down

USAGE SUMMARY

"to wind down" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the process of relaxing or gradually reducing activity. Example: After a long week, I like to wind down with a good book. Alternative expressions include "to relax" and "to de-stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hostess Brands moved to wind down operations.

The New York Times

And learning to wind down before bed.

The New York Times

Do you have to wind down afterwards?

The Guardian

It helps to wind down afterwards.

The Guardian

The company is continuing to wind down A.I.G.

The New York Times

This week, he moved swiftly to wind down his businesses.

The New York Times - Food

The world seems to wind down quietly, with stillness.

The New York Times - Magazine

That requires a clear timeline to wind down the war.

The New York Times

"These things take a while to wind down," she said.

The Guardian

"We do intend to wind down that operation," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Look for ways to wind-down at the end of your day.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to wind down" when you want to convey a sense of gradual reduction in activity or intensity, leading to a state of relaxation or completion. For instance, "After a long day, I like "to wind down" with a cup of tea."

Common error

Avoid using "to wind down" when you mean to abruptly stop something. "To wind down" implies a gradual process, not an immediate halt. Instead of saying "The meeting wound down suddenly", consider "The meeting ended abruptly".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to wind down" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not require a direct object. It describes the action of something gradually reducing in activity or intensity. Ludwig examples illustrate this in contexts of relaxation, business operations, and war efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Magazine

3%

Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to wind down" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes a gradual reduction in activity, leading to relaxation or conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable in varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that "to wind down" suggests a gradual process, not an abrupt stop, and it’s best used to describe transitions to rest or completion. Semantically related phrases include "to relax", "to unwind", and "to calm down", providing alternative ways to express similar ideas. The phrase is common enough to be understood widely, and authoritative sources frequently employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to unwind

Similar in meaning, but suggests a release from tension or pressure.

to relax

Focuses solely on the aspect of becoming less tense or stressed.

to de-stress

Specifically emphasizes the reduction of stress.

to calm down

Emphasizes the reduction of excitement or agitation.

to ease up

Suggests a reduction in effort or pressure.

to taper off

Focuses on a gradual reduction in quantity or intensity.

to draw to a close

Highlights the concluding phase of an event or activity.

to come to an end

Directly indicates the termination of something.

to decelerate

Implies a reduction in speed or pace.

to abate

Refers to a decrease in intensity or strength.

FAQs

What does "to wind down" mean?

"To wind down" means to gradually relax after a period of exertion or excitement, or to bring something to a close in a gradual way.

What can I say instead of "to wind down"?

You can use alternatives like "to relax", "to unwind", or "to calm down" depending on the context.

How to use "to wind down" in a sentence?

You can use "to wind down" to describe how you relax after a busy day, for example, "I like "to wind down" by reading a book before bed."

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

"To wind down" implies a gradual decrease in activity or intensity, whereas "to shut down" suggests a complete and often immediate cessation of activity.