was at ease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was at ease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of comfort or relaxation, often in reference to a person's emotional or physical state. Example: "After a long day at work, she finally sat down and was at ease, enjoying the quiet of her home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was at ease there.

The New Yorker

But within minutes, she was at ease.

The New York Times

He was at ease and relaxed.

The New York Times - Sports

"She was at ease in any situation".

The New York Times - Arts

And she was at ease with that.

The New York Times

Neither was at ease in the Second.

The New Yorker

'He was at ease with it.

The Guardian

He was at ease with complex abstract ideas.

The Guardian

He was at ease with the audiences he served.

The Guardian

He was at ease, brimming with stories to tell.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was at ease, also a little skeptical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was at ease" to describe a character's reaction to a situation that would typically cause stress in others, highlighting their composure.

Common error

Avoid using "was at ease" when the context simply requires stating someone was present in a location. "At ease" implies a state of comfort or relaxation, not merely physical presence. Saying "He was at ease at the party" suggests he enjoyed himself, whereas "He was at the party" only indicates his attendance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was at ease" functions primarily as a descriptive predicate. It modifies a subject to indicate their state of comfort, relaxation, or lack of anxiety in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it describes someone's emotional or physical state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was at ease" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of comfort, relaxation, or composure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It is best used to depict a subject's reaction to a situation, highlighting their lack of stress or anxiety. While alternatives like "felt comfortable" or "was relaxed" exist, "was at ease" offers a specific nuance that emphasizes a sense of calm and control. Avoid misusing it to simply indicate presence in a location, as it carries a stronger implication of emotional or physical comfort. As Ludwig AI underlines, "was at ease" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced emotional states in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt comfortable

Emphasizes physical or emotional comfort in a situation.

felt relaxed

Highlights a state of reduced tension or anxiety.

was comfortable

Similar to "felt comfortable" but can also imply a general state of well-being.

was relaxed

Similar to "felt relaxed" suggesting a calm and unburdened state.

was composed

Suggests a state of being calm and in control of one's emotions, especially in a challenging situation.

was tranquil

Implies a deep sense of peace and serenity.

was serene

Similar to "was tranquil" but can also imply a sense of dignity or grace.

was unperturbed

Highlights a lack of disturbance or worry in the face of potential stressors.

was unworried

Directly indicates a lack of concern or anxiety.

was at peace

Indicates a state of inner calmness and contentment.

FAQs

How can I use "was at ease" in a sentence?

Use "was at ease" to describe a state of comfort, relaxation, or confidence in a particular situation. For instance, "Despite the pressure, she "was at ease" during the presentation".

What can I say instead of "was at ease"?

You can use alternatives such as "felt comfortable", "felt relaxed", or "was composed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "felt at ease" instead of "was at ease"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Felt at ease" emphasizes the sensation of being comfortable, while ""was at ease"" describes a state of being.

What's the difference between "was at ease" and "was at peace"?

"Was at ease" suggests a comfortable and relaxed state in a specific situation, whereas "was at peace" implies a deeper sense of inner calm and contentment, often regardless of external circumstances.