pare down

USAGE SUMMARY

"pare down" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to reduce or simplify something, usually by removing unnecessary parts. For example: In order to make the message more concise, the author decided to pare down the content.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I'm trying to pare down decisions.

The New York Times

"You learn to pare down to the basics".

The New York Times - Food

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

The New York Times

He also began to pare down his pictures.

The New York Times - Arts

Athens needs to pare down its bureaucracy, improve tax collection and liberalize its labor markets.

The New York Times

Square is an attempt to pare down the process of buying something.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

They're pared down and plain-spoken.

The New York Times - Books

And then paring down and paring down some more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pared down, wiser, a little older.

The Guardian - Music

(Jones pared down the lineup later).

The New York Times - Magazine

He has pared down his style as well.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pare down" when you want to emphasize a gradual or careful reduction, especially when simplifying complex processes or lists.

Common error

Avoid using "pare down" when referring to emotional states or abstract concepts that cannot be physically reduced. Instead, opt for phrases like "alleviate" or "mitigate".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "pare down" functions primarily as a verb of reduction or simplification. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in contexts where something is being reduced in size, scope, or complexity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pare down" means to reduce or simplify something, often gradually and carefully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "reduce" or "simplify" exist, "pare down" carries a nuanced meaning of refinement and gradual reduction. Remember to avoid using it with purely abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce

This alternative is shorter and more direct.

simplify

This alternative focuses on making something less complex.

trim

This alternative suggests a more precise and careful reduction.

cut back

This alternative implies a reduction in spending or quantity.

scale down

This alternative suggests reducing the size or scope.

streamline

This alternative emphasizes efficiency and removing unnecessary steps.

downsize

This alternative often refers to reducing the size of a company or organization.

condense

This alternative suggests making something shorter and more concise.

decrease

This alternative is a more general term for reducing something.

narrow down

This alternative suggests reducing the number of options or choices.

FAQs

How can I use "pare down" in a sentence?

You can use "pare down" to describe reducing something gradually. For example, "The company needed to "pare down" its expenses to stay afloat."

What's a good alternative to "pare down"?

Alternatives to "pare down" include "reduce", "simplify", or "cut back", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "pare down" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the reduction of complex systems, budgets, or plans. However, consider alternatives like "reduce" for a more direct tone.

How does "pare down" differ from "cut back"?

"Pare down" suggests a more careful and gradual reduction, often implying a refinement process. "Cut back", on the other hand, is a more general term for reducing something, often in response to financial constraints.