cut down on

USAGE SUMMARY

'cut down on' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to reduce or limit something, and it can be used in a variety of contexts. Example: I'm trying to cut down on my sugar intake.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cut Down on Plastic Bag Usage.

Forbes

Cut down on clutter.

WikiHow

Cut down on your cardio.

WikiHow

Cut down on your food miles!

WikiHow

Cut down on your alcohol consumption.

WikiHow

Cut down on what you buy.

WikiHow

Cut down on your caffeine intake.

WikiHow

Cut down on your sugar intake.

WikiHow

But cut down on clutter.

The New York Times

Cut down on packaging.

The New York Times

Cut down on television.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to decrease consumption of something harmful, use "cut down on" followed by a specific noun phrase. For example, "Cut down on sugary drinks" is clearer than "Cut down on things."

Common error

Avoid using "cut down on" with overly broad or vague objects. Instead of saying "Cut down on stuff", be specific: "Cut down on unnecessary expenses" is more actionable.

How to use

Learn how to use "cut down on" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cut down on" functions primarily as a directive, advising or suggesting the reduction or limitation of something. Ludwig provides several examples where it's used to encourage reducing consumption or usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut down on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to recommend reducing or limiting something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While suitable for general communication, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. It's frequently found in Wiki and News & Media content, advising on topics ranging from health and environmental concerns to financial savings. Effective usage involves specifying what should be reduced, avoiding vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut back

Similar to the original phrase, but slightly less formal.

reduce

A more general term for lessening quantity or intensity.

decrease

Similar to 'reduce', but often implies a gradual lessening.

limit

Sets a specific upper boundary or restriction.

scale down

To reduce the size, extent, or scale of something.

curtail

More formal, suggesting a restriction or reduction, often of rights or privileges.

minimize

To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

trim

To reduce by small amounts; often used in the context of finances or weight.

economize

To reduce expenditure; to be frugal.

dwindle

To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.

FAQs

How can I use "cut down on" in a sentence?

Use "cut down on" to advise reducing the consumption or use of something. For example, "I need to "cut down on coffee"" or "We should "cut down on plastic waste"."

What's a similar phrase to "cut down on"?

Alternatives to "cut down on" include "reduce", "decrease", or "limit", which all suggest lessening the amount or intensity of something.

Is "cut down on" formal or informal?

"Cut down on" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. More formal alternatives include "reduce" or "minimize".

Which is correct, "cut down on" or "cut down"?

"Cut down" is usually followed by an object without 'on', referring to physically cutting something. "Cut down on" requires 'on' and refers to reducing the amount of something. For example, "cut down the tree" versus "cut down on expenses".