thin down

USAGE SUMMARY

"thin down" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
Generally, it means "to make a large amount smaller or more manageable" or "to reduce or weaken something". For example, "We need to thin down the list of applicants before we can begin interviewing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Once cool, mix the mustard and mayonnaise together; thin down with a little water if it's too thick.

Independent

Thin down by whisking in water, a tablespoon at a time, till the dressing has a creamy, trickling consistency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But in terms of a broad, varied range of books, widely available in a dedicated bookshop – well, Borders has gone, and Waterstone's (which has already announced it is losing 20 shops this year) could well have to thin down even further.

The Guardian - Books

Besides that, immunoblot with a total Tau antibody revealed a higher electrophoretic mobility visualized as a thin "down shift" of mutated 4RTau treated with λ-phosphatase (compared to untreated ones).

Plosone

There should NOT be a point, it should thin down as a board.

WikiHow

This will help you thin down the amount of zombies that Lady Comstock raises.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Tenements have been thinned down and tarted up.

The Economist

Linda Wagner-Martin's was much improved, though much thinned down, by my requiring her to substantiate the . . .

The New Yorker

Having thinned down from a three-piece to a duo, Gabriel Gurnsey and Nik Colk have taken the opportunity to rethink their sound.

The Guardian - Music

In the letter, and letters like this, we are shown how identity thins down as it moves towards the erasure we all eventually face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While working out on a treadmill, the actor wonders if she will be retrospectively thinned down by Star Wars' makers if her character Leia Organa should die and return as a "Force ghost".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thin down" in cooking contexts, specify the liquid you are using to achieve the desired consistency. For instance, "thin down the sauce with chicken broth" is more informative than just "thin down the sauce".

Common error

While "thin down" is acceptable, it can sound informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "reduce", "dilute", or "attenuate" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "thin down" primarily functions to describe the action of reducing the consistency of a substance, typically a liquid, by adding a thinning agent. As Ludwig AI indicates, it can also describe reducing the quantity of something. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in contexts like cooking and managing crowds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "thin down" is a versatile term primarily used to describe the act of reducing the thickness or consistency of a substance, typically a liquid, or, to a lesser extent, the quantity of items in a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is considered neutral in register and appears across various contexts including science, news, and general writing, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Best practice involves specifying the thinning agent for clarity, such as "thin down with water".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce in thickness

Focuses on the physical reduction of thickness as an alternative.

dilute

Implies making a substance less concentrated or potent.

weaken

Highlights the reduction of strength or effectiveness.

lighten

Suggests making something less dense or heavy.

attenuate

Emphasizes a gradual reduction or weakening.

decrease

General term for making something smaller or less.

pare down

Suggests reducing something to its essential elements.

trim

Focuses on removing excess or unnecessary parts.

downsize

Indicates a reduction in size or scale, especially in business contexts.

streamline

Implies making something more efficient by removing unnecessary elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "thin down" to describe making a substance less viscous, like "thin down the paint with water". It can also mean reducing the number of something, such as "thin down the crowd". Be sure to tailor its use to the specific context.

What does "thin down" mean?

The phrase "thin down" means to reduce the thickness or consistency of something, often by adding a liquid. It can also refer to reducing the quantity or number of items in a group.

Which is correct, "thin down" or "thin out"?

Both "thin down" and "thin out" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Thin down" typically refers to reducing the viscosity of a liquid, while "thin out" often implies reducing the density or number of items.

What are some alternatives to "thin down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "dilute", "reduce the thickness", "weaken", or "pare down". The best choice depends on what you are trying to convey.