Differences between bring down and cut down
Bring down usually means to cause something or someone to fall or be defeated, while cut down generally means to reduce the amount or size of something.
Meanings and Definitions: bring down vs cut down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Bring down
- 1Make a government fall.
The vote of no - confidence BROUGHT the government DOWN.
- 2Make something cheaper.
The improvements in technology have BROUGHT the prices of computers DOWN considerably in recent months.
Cut down
- 1Consume less.
I'm trying to CUT DOWN the amount of coffee I drink during the day.
- 2Shoot.
A lot of soldiers were CUT DOWN by enemy fire as they stormed the airport.
- 3Reduce a vertical thing to ground level by cutting.
The logger CUT the tree DOWN.
- 4Cut something from a high position.
After Christmas he didn't carefully detach all the decorations, he just CUT them all DOWN.
Usage Examples: bring down, cut down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
bring down
Example
The scandal could bring down the entire company.
Example
She brings down the house with her amazing singing.
cut down
Example
I need to cut down on my sugar intake.
Example
She cuts down on her screen time before bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Bring down
To defeat or destroy someone or something completely.
Example
The underdog team crushed their opponents in the final match and won the championship.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut down
To make something smaller or less in amount or size.
Example
We need to reduce our expenses to save money for our vacation.
To cut off the excess or unwanted parts of something.
Example
She trimmed the bushes in her garden to give them a neater look.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “bring”
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in bring down vs cut down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: bring down or cut down?
In daily conversation, people use cut down more often than bring down. This is because cut down is used for more common tasks such as reducing expenses or decreasing the amount of time spent on something. Bring down is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about causing something or someone to fall or be defeated. So, while both phrases are used, cut down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of bring down and cut down
Bring down and cut down are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of bring down and cut down
The tone of bring down and cut down can differ based on context. Bring down often carries a negative or aggressive tone when related to defeating or destroying something, while cut down typically has a practical and neutral tone, especially when referring to reducing expenses or workload.
