it pares down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it pares down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of reducing something to its essential elements or simplifying it. Example: "The editor's job is to ensure that the manuscript pares down unnecessary details, making the story more engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

THE NEWSGeneral Motors said it was going ahead with preparations to shut down Saab, though it was extending the deadline for potential buyers to make bids by a week, to Jan .7. BEHIND THE NEWS As it pares down after bankruptcy and a federal rescue, G.M. is shedding four brands, including Saab, the 62-year-old Swedish carmaker it took over in 1989.

The New York Times

It pares down several cold tartares, like salmon belly and Wagyu beef, to their fleshy essences, diminishing the usual prominence of tangy, spicy and salty contributors.

The New York Times - Food

Disney, meanwhile, could release more bad news as early as this week as it pares down the staff of the recently acquired Family channel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

European shares struggled to make gains on Wednesday morning, following a string of downbeat economic data and news that miner Rio Tinto was cutting 14,000 jobs to help it pare down its huge debt pile.

Forbes

Does it pare down that package if it runs into opposition on the Hill?

Huffington Post

Her acting is understated - crucial in a play that could be saccharine were it not for its pared down delivery.

The Guardian

Figures like Peter B. Lewis, the Cleveland-based philanthropist who is the museum's chairman, gave the Guggenheim $12 million last year on condition that it pare down its budget.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, the case is so big, charging a conspiracy that has spanned much of the last decade in dozens of foreign countries, that the defense tried earlier to have it pared down.

The New York Times

And while you're at it, pare down your list once more if you'll be able to wash garments on your trip.

Huffington Post

Lara had originally proposed providing coverage to all immigrants who entered the state illegally, but it was pared down after it was priced at more than a billion dollars. .

Los Angeles Times

"It will pare down after the conventions," Mr. Dowd said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it pares down" when you want to convey a sense of careful and deliberate reduction, implying that something has been simplified to its most essential components.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "it pares down" can sound less formal than alternatives like "it reduces" or "it streamlines" in certain professional settings. Consider your audience and the desired tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it pares down" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'it' serves as the subject and 'pares down' is the verb, indicating an action of reduction or simplification. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it pares down" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of reducing or simplifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and whether a more formal alternative might be more appropriate. Be sure you want to convey that something has been simplified to its most essential components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it reduces

Focuses on the act of lessening or diminishing something, omitting the nuance of refinement.

it simplifies

Highlights the act of making something less complex, lacking the implication of careful reduction.

it streamlines

Emphasizes efficiency and smooth operation by removing obstacles.

it trims

Suggests removing excess or unwanted parts.

it refines

Focuses on improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements.

it cuts back

Implies a reduction in spending or resources.

it downsizes

Suggests reducing the size or scale of something.

it abbreviates

Focuses on shortening the length of something, often a text or document.

it distills

Implies extracting the essential elements from something.

it condenses

Focuses on making something more compact or concentrated.

FAQs

How can I use "it pares down" in a sentence?

You can use "it pares down" to describe the act of reducing something to its essential elements. For example, "The editor ensures the manuscript "it pares down" unnecessary details."

What are some alternatives to "it pares down"?

Some alternatives include "it reduces", "it simplifies", or "it streamlines" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it pares down" formal or informal?

The phrase "it pares down" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, consider more formal options like "it diminishes" or "it lessens" in highly professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "it pares down" and "it cuts down"?

"It pares down" implies a more careful and deliberate reduction, focusing on essential elements, while "it cuts down" suggests a more general reduction in quantity or size.