EASE OFF

National Parks

📖 Definition

Ease off means to reduce intensity, pressure, or effort. It implies a gradual decrease, often applied in contexts like weather, work, or interpersonal pressure.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Ease off means to reduce intensity, pressure, or effort. It implies a gradual decrease, often applied in contexts like weather, work, or interpersonal pressure.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
Ease off cannot have its components split by an object.
Register
Neutral
It is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
Ease off does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple ease off The rain starts to ease off in the evening.
Past Simple eased off The coach eased off the training schedule after the tournament.
Present Continuous easing off The manager is easing off the workload as we approach the holidays.
Present Perfect have eased off The patients have eased off their medication gradually.

💡 When to Use

Reducing work intensity
If workload becomes overwhelming, easing off helps prevent burnout and promotes better mental health by balancing effort and rest.
Example: "The team decided to ease off their workload before the project deadline."
Weather conditions
Describes a decrease in severe weather, creating safer travel conditions and alleviating concerns related to outdoor activities.
Example: "We postponed the hike until the storm eased off."
Easing social pressure
In social contexts, easing off helps mitigate tension or stress, leading to more enjoyable and productive interactions.
Example: "He eased off on his criticism, allowing the team to express ideas freely."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Transitive misunderstanding
❌ Wrong: He eased off the brake quickly.
✅ Correct: He eased up on the brake quickly.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'ease off' doesn’t require an object like 'brake'.
Improper tense
❌ Wrong: She is ease off the workload.
✅ Correct: She is easing off the workload.
💡 Tip: Use the continuous form when indicating an ongoing action.
Misplaced interpretation
❌ Wrong: The anxiety eased off the exam.
✅ Correct: The anxiety eased off during the exam.
💡 Tip: Ensure interaction or event context when using 'ease off'.
Practice

EASE OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

abate diminish

Antonyms

intensify

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The rain started to ___ by late afternoon."

intensify
ease off
aggravate
complicate

"In life, as storms ease off, remember pressure makes diamonds, but relief lets clarity and growth surface uninhibited by stress."

In Context

During the early 20th century, the Suffragette movement in the UK was marked by intense demonstrations and protests advocating for women's right to vote. One notable figure, Emmeline Pankhurst, became a symbol of relentless courage. As tensions rose, authorities responded with arrests and force-feeding of hunger-striking prisoners. Faced with mounting public sympathy for the Suffragettes, the government began to ease off its harsh tactics. During 1913, the infamous 'Cat and Mouse Act' was introduced, temporarily releasing hunger strikers when their health was at risk, only to rearrest them later. This law was an attempt to ease off from the criticism directed at force-feeding practices, though it did not dampen the determination of the movement. As World War I erupted, the Suffragettes made a strategic decision to ease off from their militant methods, choosing instead to support the war effort. Recognizing women's critical contributions during the war, the Representation of the People Act 1918 was passed, granting voting rights to women over thirty who met minimum property qualifications. This historic victory was a testament to the persistent struggle of the Suffragettes and how easing off confrontation can sometimes lead to significant advancement.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Ease Off

What is the origin of ease off?

+
The phrase 'ease off' originated in nautical contexts during the 17th century, referring to reducing sail pressure or slackening ropes. It was adopted into general use, symbolizing the decrease in intensity or pressure in diverse scenarios.

Can ease off be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'ease off' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile and appropriate for discussions in professional settings or casual conversations, especially when referring to reducing efforts or pressure.

What is the difference between ease off and abate?

+
While 'ease off' and 'abate' both mean a reduction in intensity, 'ease off' is more gradual, often implying intentional control or relief, whereas 'abate' can denote a natural diminishment, typically used in relation to weather or emotions.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

slow downwind downlet upback offcool down
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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