The storm ease off/down a little

Question

According to the Cambridge dictionary both ways mean the same, but isn't ease off more correct when it comes about grammar? Thanks

Dokterjokkebrok · Accepted Answer

Hi,

My Cambridge dictionary gives ease up/off. I feel that 'down' collocates better with 'settle' as in 'the storm has settled down'.

What edition do you own?

- DJB -

Anonymous · Answer

Hello, I meant eased off/up, sorry I was typing really fast!

Dokterjokkebrok · Answer

AnonymousHello, I meant eased off/up, sorry I was typing really fast!

.

It happens

Well, I think the question is rather whether it is the proper idiomatic expression. You can argue that it is grammatical but, to me, the distinction is a little vague sometimes.

I just checked my Cambridge dictionary and lots of prepositional verbs can be found that use 'off' meaning to 'stop, cease or finish', e.g. fall off, die off, lay off, et cetera.

The same goes for 'up': pull up, pass up, muck up, et cetera.

But, both 'up' and 'off' are also used to mean the opposite of 'cease', 'stop' and 'finish'.

So, again, what I am trying to say here is that it is probably rather a matter of idiom and collocation than of grammar. A native speaker will probably be better able to judge this. If you join EnglishForward.com as a permanent member, you will improve your chances of getting more valuable replies to your questions.

- DJB -

The storm ease off/down a little

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