Differences between cut down and cut out
Cut down usually means to reduce the amount or size of something, while cut out generally means to remove or stop doing something completely.
Meanings and Definitions: cut down vs cut out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Cut out
- 1Exclude.
I'm CUTTING OUT salt from my diet.
- 2When an engine or motor stops.
The car CUT OUT at the traffic lights just as they went green.
- 3Cut a picture or similar from a magazine, etc.
ICUT some pictures OUT to use as visual aids.
- 4Leave quickly.
We'd better CUT OUT, the security men are on the way.
- 5Separate livestock from a group.
They CUT OUT three prime bulls from the herd.
Usage Examples: cut down, cut out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cut down
Example
I need to cut down on my sugar intake.
Example
She cuts down on her screen time before bed.
cut out
Example
I need to cut out junk food from my diet.
Example
She cuts out sugar from her coffee.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut down
To make something smaller or less in quantity, size, or intensity.
Example
She decided to reduce her sugar intake to improve her health.
To set a boundary or restriction on something to control or manage it better.
Example
He had to limit his spending to save money for his upcoming trip.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut out
To stop doing something permanently or voluntarily.
Example
He decided to quit smoking after realizing its harmful effects on his health.
give up
To abandon or renounce something that one has been doing or pursuing.
Example
She had to give up her dream of becoming a professional dancer due to an injury.
To come to an end or stop doing something completely.
Example
The company had to cease its operations due to bankruptcy and financial difficulties.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in cut down vs cut out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut down or cut out?
In daily conversation, people use cut down more often than cut out. This is because cut down is used for more common tasks such as reducing expenses or limiting food intake. Cut out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about stopping a habit or behavior. So, while both phrases are used, cut down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut down and cut out
Cut down and cut out 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 cut down and cut out
The tone of cut down and cut out can differ based on context. Cut down often carries a practical or positive tone when related to reducing something beneficially, while cut out typically has a more negative or serious tone, especially when referring to stopping a harmful habit or behavior.
