condense down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "condense down" is correct and is a commonly used expression in written English.
It is used to describe the process of making something (typically a larger body of text, such as a chapter in a book, or a report) more concise. For example, "I'm having trouble summarizing the report, so I'm going to try to condense it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We had to condense down a vast number of characters, fold other people's experiences into 10 or 15 people, have people saying and doing things others said or did.

The New York Times - Arts

I see people unnecessarily using two tables when they really could condense down into one.

HuffPost

NY 78 and Transit Road continue north, crossing under NY 324 and condense down to four lanes once again.

Wikipedia

I see people unnecessarily using two tables when they really could condense down into one and scoot that second table over so that it could be used by someone else.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He has had that condensed down to a more visual-cued form than it was previously.

The New Yorker

Reid Hall is all of the best parts of Columbia University condensed down and transported to the most beautiful of European capitals.

Columbia University

You turn around, check the scoreboard, and that lifetime of work is condensed down into a bright shining No2.

The Guardian - Sport

By the late 12th century, we have examples of these prose directions condensed down to a single, character-like tablature for each note.

Yale University

"It's very difficult to adapt to film," said Jan McVerry, who wrote the script with Stephen Mallatratt. "You have a huge amount of material which has to be condensed down to the absolute crux".

The New York Times

poetic, and theological material that he condenses down to a manageable size for beginning readers is impressive and, as far as this reviewer could determine, largely accurate...

University of Chicago

Gruber's argument can be condensed down to "Companies run by geniuses should generally do better than those which are not," and I agree.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "condense down", ensure that the original content's core meaning is preserved. Focus on extracting the essential information while eliminating unnecessary details.

Common error

Avoid over-simplifying to the point where the "condensed down" version loses crucial context or accuracy. Always double-check that the summary adequately represents the original material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condense down" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe the process of reducing the size or length of something, such as text or data, while retaining its core essence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "condense down" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that means to reduce something in size or length. Ludwig's analysis and examples show it's frequently used in news, academic, and general writing to simplify information while retaining its essential meaning. While generally neutral, it may be substituted with more formal terms like "abridge" or "compress" in certain contexts. Remember to avoid over-simplification, ensuring the "condensed down" version remains accurate and contextually relevant. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used and serves to make information easier to digest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boil down

Focuses on reducing something to its core elements or essence.

compress

Implies squeezing or packing something into a smaller space or time.

summarize

Involves providing a brief account of the main points of something.

abridge

Signifies shortening a text while retaining its main content.

shorten

Indicates making something less long or extensive.

narrow down

Suggests reducing the scope or range of something.

reduce

Refers to making something smaller in size, amount, or degree.

streamline

Implies making something more efficient and simple.

digest

Involves reducing information into more accessible pieces.

tighten

Focuses on making the elements compact in nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively "condense down" a lengthy document?

Start by identifying the main points and supporting evidence. Then, rewrite these points in a more concise manner, removing any redundant information. Ensure the key message remains intact.

What's the difference between "condense down" and "summarize"?

"Condense down" implies a greater degree of reduction, focusing on the most essential elements, while "summarizing" provides a more comprehensive overview.

Is it appropriate to use "condense down" in formal writing?

While "condense down" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "abridge" or "compress" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What are some situations where I might need to "condense down" information?

You might need to "condense down" information when creating executive summaries, preparing presentations, writing abstracts, or simplifying complex data for a general audience.