winding down

USAGE SUMMARY

"winding down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that is in the process of ending or coming to a close. Example Sentence: After a long day of work, I was looking forward to winding down and relaxing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm winding down now.

The New Yorker

Things are winding down.

The New York Times

Interactive is winding down.

The Economist

The demonstration wasn't winding down.

The New Yorker

The war was winding down.

The New Yorker

Was the party winding down?

The New Yorker

The clock is winding down.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He wound down.

The New Yorker

Chris wound down Frank.

The Guardian - Arts

The music wound down.

The New Yorker

"Dabke" darkened as it wound down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "winding down" to describe a gradual decrease in activity or intensity, such as a project nearing completion or preparing for sleep. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced or concluded.

Common error

Avoid using "winding down" to describe an immediate cessation of activity. The phrase implies a gradual process, not a sudden halt. For sudden stops, use terms like "stopping" or "ceasing" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "winding down" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the present participle of "wind down". It is used to describe an ongoing process of gradually reducing or stopping an activity, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

The Guardian

5%

Forbes

2%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "winding down" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a gradual decrease in activity or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that this phrase suggests a progressive reduction, not an abrupt stop. Related phrases include "tapering off" and "slowing down". With a neutral register, "winding down" is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tapering off

Indicates a gradual decrease or reduction in intensity or quantity, similar to "winding down".

slowing down

Focuses on the reduction of speed or pace, analogous to the lessening of activity in "winding down".

coming to a close

Highlights the approaching end or conclusion of something, like the finality implied in "winding down".

drawing to a close

Emphasizes the gradual nearing of an end, similar to the progressive nature of "winding down".

de-escalating

Implies a reduction in tension or intensity, much like the calming effect of "winding down".

easing off

Suggests a lessening of effort or pressure, akin to the relaxation aspect of "winding down".

petering out

Describes a gradual fading or disappearance, similar to the diminishing activity in "winding down".

abating

Indicates a reduction in intensity or strength, resembling the diminishing aspect of "winding down".

subsiding

Suggests a decrease in activity or force, analogous to the calming nature of "winding down".

diminishing

Focuses on the gradual reduction in size or importance, similar to the decreasing activity in "winding down".

FAQs

How can I use "winding down" in a sentence?

You can use "winding down" to describe the end of a process or activity, for example: "The project is "coming to a close", and we are "winding down" our efforts."

What can I say instead of "winding down"?

You can use alternatives like "tapering off", "slowing down", or ""coming to a close"" depending on the context.

Is "winding down" formal or informal?

"Winding down" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the specific situation.

What's the difference between "winding down" and "shutting down"?

"Winding down" implies a gradual reduction in activity, while "shutting down" suggests a complete and often abrupt cessation. For example, a business might "wind down" operations before "shutting down" entirely.