slim down

USAGE SUMMARY

"slim down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate reducing the size or amount of something. For example, "We need to slim down our weekly budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

If workers do not slim down, their employers face fines".

The New York Times

So how did Ursinus manage to consciously slim down?

The New York Times

And the world is unlikely to slim down soon.

The Economist

They think that it's "baby fat," and that their child will slim down later.

Harvard University

To help Americans slim down, Starbucks and other food companies are introducing smaller, lower-calorie meals.

Stanford University

But next year the desire to slim down may gain an unexpected ally: the government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The slim-down process has begun," says Nishimura.

The Guardian - Film

But a slim-down in more basic discovery isn't out of the question.

Science Magazine

The overall slim-down trimmed 176lbs from the M4, compared with the previous M3 coupe.

BBC

Miranda Lambert shows off slim-down at CMA Awards.

Los Angeles Times

Related On HuffPost: Slim-Down Dinners From Around The World.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to reducing weight for health reasons, use "slim down" to convey a positive and less clinical tone compared to phrases like "lose weight".

Common error

Avoid using "slim down" when referring to serious reductions in workforce or drastic budget cuts in a business setting. Alternatives like "downsize" or "reduce" may be more appropriate to convey the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slim down" functions primarily as an intransitive phrasal verb. It indicates the act of reducing in size or weight. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in contexts ranging from personal weight loss to organizational restructuring. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

31%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slim down" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies reducing size, weight, or complexity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, wiki, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings, and users should consider more formal alternatives like "reduce" or "decrease" in professional or scientific writing. The examples in Ludwig showcase the breadth of its applications, from personal health goals to organizational streamlining. Using "slim down" effectively involves understanding its connotations and choosing the right context to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trim down

Similar to "slim down", but can also refer to tidying up or refining.

lose weight

Focuses specifically on reducing body weight.

reduce size

Emphasizes a decrease in physical dimensions or scale.

become thinner

Directly relates to a decrease in physical thickness or width.

cut back

Implies reducing the quantity or amount of something, not necessarily weight.

scale down

Refers to decreasing the scope or extent of something.

pare down

Suggests reducing something to its essential elements.

downsize

Often used in a business context to mean reducing the number of employees or operations.

streamline

Focuses on improving efficiency by removing unnecessary elements.

lighten up

Can imply reducing weight, but also suggests becoming less serious or intense.

FAQs

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

You can use "slim down" to describe reducing weight, as in "I'm trying to "slim down" for summer". It can also refer to reducing the size or complexity of something, such as "We need to "slim down" the project scope".

What is a less direct alternative to "slim down"?

Instead of saying "slim down", you could use phrases like "trim down", "reduce size", or "lose weight", depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "slim down"?

"Slim down" is generally informal. Avoid using it in highly formal or technical contexts. For example, in a formal business report, use "reduce" or "downsize" instead.

What's the difference between "slim down" and "lose weight"?

"Slim down" often implies a more general improvement in physique or reduction in size, while "lose weight" specifically focuses on reducing body mass. "Slim down" can also be used in non-weight-related contexts, unlike "lose weight".