he trimmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he trimmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where someone has cut or reduced something, such as hair, plants, or even text. Example: "After a long day in the garden, he trimmed the hedges to give them a neat appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He trimmed the size of the federal government.

The New York Times

For the rest of his life, he trimmed to power.

The New Yorker

He trimmed the amount of space allocated to news.

The New York Times - Magazine

He trimmed his eyelashes to help him better see the ball.

The New York Times - Books

He was told he could be an even better player if he trimmed his long bangs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over slavery, the great evil of his day, he trimmed and hedged.

The Economist

He trimmed the excess tissue off the various-size organs, then peeled off their skins.

The New York Times - Food

With the utmost professionalism, he trimmed around my ears and brushed the hair from my neck.

The New Yorker

Last week, he trimmed the flowing dark hair that cascaded from beneath his caps and visors.

The New York Times - Sports

Using a router, he trimmed the replacement top, sending white plastic flakes flying like artificial snow.

The New York Times

He trimmed his neighbour's massive leylandii without permission only to be sued for trespass.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he trimmed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being cut or reduced. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he trimmed" without specifying what was trimmed. For example, instead of just saying "He trimmed," specify "He trimmed the hedges" or "He trimmed the budget" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he trimmed" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action performed by a male subject. According to Ludwig, it is a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he trimmed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase, according to Ludwig. It typically appears in news and media contexts, describing a past action of cutting or reducing something. While versatile, clarity is essential: specify what was trimmed. Alternatives include "he cut back" or "he reduced", offering similar meanings. Pay attention to the context to ensure the best fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he cut back

Focuses on reducing something, often in terms of quantity or size.

he reduced

Highlights the action of making something smaller or less.

he pruned

Specifically refers to the careful cutting of plants to improve growth.

he shortened

Emphasizes making something shorter in length or duration.

he shaved

Focuses on removing hair with a razor or similar tool.

he clipped

Involves cutting something with scissors or shears, often hair or nails.

he refined

Suggests improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements.

he decreased

Indicates a reduction in number, amount, or intensity.

he diminished

Implies a gradual reduction or lessening of something.

he pared down

Suggests a thorough and often strategic reduction of something.

FAQs

What does "he trimmed" mean?

"He trimmed" means he cut or reduced something, often to make it neater, smaller, or more manageable. The specific meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "he trimmed"?

You can use alternatives like "he cut back", "he reduced", or "he pruned", depending on the specific context.

Is "he trimmed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he trimmed" is grammatically correct. It's a simple past tense construction using a transitive verb.

How to use "he trimmed" in a sentence?

Use "he trimmed" to describe a past action of cutting or reducing something. For example: "He trimmed the tree branches" or "He trimmed the fat from the meat".