trimming up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trimming up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making something neater or more presentable, often in the context of grooming or organizing. Example: "Before the big event, I spent the afternoon trimming up the garden to ensure it looked its best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Bank of America is trimming up to 5 percent of staff in parts of its investment bank.

The New York Times

It's also worth keeping an eye on the "deals of the day" at skideals.co.uk, with daily offers regularly trimming up to 40% off packages, especially some of the Austrian resorts.

The Guardian - Travel

HUCK FINN, CONTINENTAL STYLE -- Peter Deilmann Cruises is trimming up to $565 per person on European river-cruise fares this fall aboard 10 vessels, ranging in capacity from 58 to 204 passengers.

The New York Times - Travel

For higher detection at the cost of lower accuracy, a less stringent LOD score threshold such as 2 combined with a light to moderate level of trimming (up to 100 markers) is best.

Genetics

Things were starting to shape up, but then he began trimming up Shitzie's summer trunks with a pair of thinning sheers while saying, "I've got to get this excess hair off him or else he's going to be really warm back here when he's outdoors".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

To order a copy for £7.99 with free UK p&p, go to guardianbookshop.co.uk I like to cook broccoli whole and just trim up the stalk a little.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his youth Mr Biber could trim up to 80 heads a day; aged 89, he now keeps busy with 20 a week.Mr Biber's craft is enjoying a British renaissance.

The Economist

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, reckons that Republican cuts could lead to the loss of up to 700,000 jobs, while Goldman Sachs forecasters estimate that the plan may trim up to 2 percentage points off annualised growth in the remaining two quarters of the fiscal year.

The Economist

Trying to trim up a bit".

Huffington Post

In fact, surely the entire series is in the hands of his editor, all trimmed up and ready for publication.

Huffington Post

"If that's the case let's trim up the tubbies, mask the ugglies [sic] and platform shoe up the shorties".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trimming up" in writing, consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of refining, reducing, or making something neater. For instance, it can apply to editing text, grooming pets, or optimizing processes.

Common error

Avoid using "trimming up" when a more precise term is needed. For example, instead of saying "trimming up" the budget, use "reducing" or "cutting" the budget to convey a clearer intention of financial constraint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trimming up" functions as a verb phrase with an adverb, modifying a verb to indicate the action of making something neater, more concise, or more efficient. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trimming up" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of making something neater, more concise, or more efficient. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure its appropriateness. The phrase, while appearing in news and media, science, and wiki content, is considered relatively rare. Alternatives like "tidying up", "refining", or "fine-tuning" may be more suitable in certain situations. Understanding these nuances allows for a more precise and effective use of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tidying up

Focuses more on general neatness rather than a specific reduction or refinement.

neatening up

Similar to tidying, but suggests a more careful and precise approach to cleaning or organizing.

slimming down

Specifically refers to reducing weight or size, often related to personal fitness or product design.

paring down

Implies a reduction to essential elements by removing unnecessary parts.

whittling down

Suggests a gradual reduction, often through careful and deliberate action.

polishing up

Focuses on improving the appearance or quality of something, often through minor adjustments.

refining

Highlights the process of improving something by removing impurities or unwanted elements.

fine-tuning

Emphasizes making small adjustments to optimize performance or appearance.

cutting back

Focuses on reducing expenses or consumption, especially in a financial context.

tightening up

Suggests making something more efficient or strict, often in the context of security or regulations.

FAQs

How can I use "trimming up" in a sentence?

"Trimming up" can refer to making something neater or more concise. For example, "I spent the afternoon "trimming up" the garden" or "The editor is "trimming up" the article to meet the word count."

What are some alternatives to "trimming up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tidying up", "refining", or "fine-tuning".

Is "trimming up" formal or informal?

"Trimming up" is generally considered to be neutral to informal in tone, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "optimizing" or "streamlining".

Can "trimming up" apply to personal appearance?

Yes, "trimming up" can refer to grooming or improving one's appearance. For example, "I need to "trimming up" my beard before the meeting".