cut down
يقطع
Literalmente: To slice or fell something in a downward direction.
Use 'cut down' when you want to reduce a habit without stopping it completely.
Em 15 segundos
- To reduce the amount or frequency of a habit.
- Commonly used with 'on' for food, money, or time.
- A softer, more realistic alternative to 'quitting' something entirely.
Significado
To 'cut down' means to do something less often or use a smaller amount of something, usually to improve your health or save money.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Talking about health
I'm trying to cut down on salt because of my blood pressure.
I am trying to reduce my salt intake.
Discussing finances
We really need to cut down on our takeaway orders this month.
We need to spend less on food deliveries.
In a business meeting
We should cut down the presentation to ten minutes.
We should make the presentation shorter.
Contexto cultural
The phrase stems from the physical act of felling a tree to make it smaller or remove it. In modern culture, it reflects the 'minimalist' and 'health-conscious' trends popular in the UK and US, where reducing consumption is seen as a sign of self-control and maturity.
The 'On' Rule
If you mention the thing you are reducing, always use 'on'. Say 'cut down on sugar', not 'cut down sugar' (unless you are literally chopping it with a knife!).
Don't confuse with 'Cut Off'
'Cut off' means to disconnect or stop completely (like a phone call). 'Cut down' is just about reduction.
Em 15 segundos
- To reduce the amount or frequency of a habit.
- Commonly used with 'on' for food, money, or time.
- A softer, more realistic alternative to 'quitting' something entirely.
What It Means
Think of cut down as a way to trim your habits. It is not about stopping completely. It is about reducing the frequency or amount. If you drink five coffees a day, moving to two is cutting down. It feels less aggressive than 'quitting.' It is about finding a better balance in your life.
How To Use It
You usually follow it with the word on. For example, you cut down on sugar or cut down on spending. You can also use it for physical objects. If a lumberjack fells a tree, he cuts down the tree. In conversation, it is a very flexible phrasal verb. Use it when you want to sound proactive but realistic.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing health goals with your doctor. Use it when talking to your partner about the monthly budget. It is perfect for New Year's resolutions that you actually intend to keep. You can also use it in a professional setting. A boss might ask to cut down the length of a meeting. It shows you value efficiency.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are stopping something entirely. If you never smoke again, you 'quit.' Don't use it for people's height or physical size. You wouldn't say a person cut down if they lost weight. Also, avoid using it for emotions. You don't cut down on sadness; you manage it or get through it.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, cutting down is a huge part of the 'wellness' conversation. There is a lot of social pressure to be healthier. However, we also love our treats. Saying "I'm cutting down" is a polite way to refuse a second slice of cake. It sounds more disciplined than just saying "no thanks." It implies you are working on yourself.
Common Variations
You will often hear cut back. These are almost identical in meaning. Cut back is slightly more common for financial contexts. Cut down is more common for consumption, like food or cigarettes. Another variation is cut it out, but be careful! That means 'stop doing that right now' and is much more aggressive.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that 'cut down on [something]' is the most common grammatical structure.
The 'On' Rule
If you mention the thing you are reducing, always use 'on'. Say 'cut down on sugar', not 'cut down sugar' (unless you are literally chopping it with a knife!).
Don't confuse with 'Cut Off'
'Cut off' means to disconnect or stop completely (like a phone call). 'Cut down' is just about reduction.
The Polite Refusal
In the UK, if someone offers you more food, saying 'I'm trying to cut down' is a socially perfect way to say no without offending the cook.
Exemplos
6I'm trying to cut down on salt because of my blood pressure.
I am trying to reduce my salt intake.
Standard usage for health improvements.
We really need to cut down on our takeaway orders this month.
We need to spend less on food deliveries.
Focuses on saving money.
We should cut down the presentation to ten minutes.
We should make the presentation shorter.
Used for efficiency and time management.
I'm cutting down on the late nights, so I'll leave early.
I'm trying to sleep more, so I won't stay late.
Explaining a lifestyle change casually.
I've cut down to just one chocolate bar... per hour.
I am eating less chocolate (ironically).
Using the phrase to make a joke about lack of self-control.
I need to cut down my hours at work before I burn out.
I need to work less for my mental health.
Expressing a need for self-care.
Teste-se
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
My doctor told me to cut down ___ caffeine.
We almost always use 'on' after 'cut down' when referring to a substance or habit.
Which sentence is the most natural use of the phrase?
___
The phrase is best used for reducing habits or expenses.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Cut Down'
Talking to friends about habits.
I'm cutting down on beer.
Standard daily conversation.
We should cut down our energy use.
Professional or medical advice.
The department must cut down on waste.
Where to use 'Cut Down'
Dieting
Cutting down on sugar.
Budgeting
Cutting down on spending.
Environment
Cutting down trees.
Workload
Cutting down your hours.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThey are very similar. Cut back is often used for money or business budgets, while cut down is more common for personal habits like eating or smoking.
Generally, no. You cannot cut down a person's size. However, there is a slang meaning 'to cut someone down to size,' which means to humble someone who is being arrogant.
It is better to use 'reduced' or 'minimized' on a resume. For example, 'Reduced operational costs' sounds more professional than 'Cut down on costs'.
Not always. If the context is clear, you can just say 'I'm trying to cut down.' But if you name the object, use on.
Yes, it is used literally for trees. You cut down a tree in the forest.
The past tense is cut down (the word 'cut' does not change). For example, 'Last year, I cut down on social media.'
It is always cut down. Phrasal verbs in English almost never reverse their order.
Yes! You can cut down the time you spend commuting or the length of a long movie.
The most common mistake is saying cut down from. You should say cut down on. For example, 'I cut down on sweets' is correct.
Yes, it is very common. A doctor might say, 'You need to cut down on alcohol for your liver health.'
Frases relacionadas
Cut back
To reduce spending or consumption.
Scale back
To reduce the size or scope of a project.
Ease off
To start doing something with less intensity.
Trim the fat
To remove unnecessary parts to make something more efficient.
Comentários (0)
Faça Login para ComentarComece a aprender idiomas gratuitamente
Comece Grátis