brought down to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brought down to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a reduction in status, level, or importance, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The once-great empire was ultimately brought down to a mere shadow of its former self."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She had the suit brought down to show us.

The New Yorker

The other man brought down to breakfast the sex worker he had that night.

Huffington Post

Jessica was handcuffed and brought down to the M.C.C.

The New Yorker

He has not been brought down to earth, yet.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a God dream brought down to Earth.

The Guardian

His unrealistic growth forecasts in the April budget were duly brought down to earth.

The Economist

Sometimes it's a good thing to be brought down to earth.

The New York Times

"Occasionally he has to be, you know, brought down to earth and reined in".

The New York Times

Ordinary life is elevated to ritual; art is brought down to earth.

The New York Times - Arts

It was intensely placid, this stilled moment, everything brought down to this, in this amniotic ocean.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Queen Vic's favourite barmaid was brought down to earth with a bump.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brought down to" to describe a reduction, ensure the context clearly indicates what the original state or level was. This provides a clear comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "brought down to" in overly abstract or vague contexts where the specific reduction isn't clear. Ensure there's a tangible or easily understandable basis for the reduction being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brought down to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to indicate a reduction, simplification, or lowering of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brought down to" serves to denote a reduction or simplification, frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in news and scientific domains. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While alternatives like "reduced to" or "lowered to" exist, "brought down to" maintains a versatile presence in contemporary English. Be mindful of clarity, ensuring the context clearly identifies the initial state or level to avoid vagueness. Its prevalence and adaptability make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced to

Emphasizes a decrease or transformation to a lower state or condition.

lowered to

Focuses on the action of decreasing something physically or metaphorically.

decreased to

Highlights the quantitative aspect of the reduction.

cut down to

Implies a trimming or shortening to achieve a desired size or level.

diminished to

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

narrowed to

Indicates a restriction or confinement to a smaller scope or range.

scaled down to

Emphasizes the proportional reduction in size or scope.

condensed to

Highlights the process of making something shorter or more compact.

simplified to

Focuses on making something less complex or easier to understand.

translated to

Indicates the conversion to another language, form, or system.

FAQs

How can I use "brought down to" in a sentence?

You can use "brought down to" to describe a reduction in size, status, or level, as in "The price was "reduced to" a more affordable amount" or "His ego was "cut down to" size after the defeat".

What are some alternatives to using "brought down to"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""reduced to"", "lowered to", or "decreased to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "brought down to" and "get down to"?

"Brought down to" implies a reduction or simplification, while "get down to" suggests starting to do something seriously or focusing on the essentials.

When is it appropriate to use "brought down to earth"?

"Brought down to earth" is an idiom used when someone's unrealistic ideas or arrogance are challenged, leading them to become more grounded and realistic. For example: "His unrealistic expectations were "brought down to earth" when the project failed".