Differences between cut down and go down
Cut down means to reduce the amount or size of something, while go down means to move or descend from a higher position to a lower one.
Meanings and Definitions: cut down vs go down
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.
Go down
- 1Decrease, get smaller.
The price of scanners has GONE DOWN recently.
- 2Sink.
The Titanic WENT DOWN after it hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage.
- 3Sunset.
The sun WENT DOWN at seven o'clock.
- 4Be sent to to prison.
He WENT DOWN for ten years for armed robbery.
- 5Become recorded as or known as.
It WENT DOWN as the worst day in the history of the company.
- 6Be eaten or swallowed.
The medicine WENT DOWN easily.
- 7Fall to the ground.
The boxer WENT DOWN in the second round.
- 8Happen, take place.
The police thought that a big crime was GOING DOWN that night.
- 9Stop working, especially computers.
The computer system WENT DOWN for an hour last night.
- 10Become dimmer.
The lights WENT DOWN and the audience stopped talking.
- 11Be received by people, in terms of their reaction.
My joke WENT DOWN very badly.
Usage Examples: cut down, go down 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.
go down
Example
The temperature will go down tonight.
Example
The sun goes down at around 8 pm during summer.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut down
To make something smaller in size, amount, or quantity.
Example
We need to reduce our expenses to save money for our vacation.
To decrease or limit something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
Example
She tried to minimize her carbon footprint by using public transportation and recycling.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go down
To move or go down from a higher position to a lower one.
Example
The hikers had to descend a steep slope to reach the valley below.
To fall or move down suddenly or quickly.
Example
The temperature dropped dramatically overnight, causing icy roads and sidewalks in the morning.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in cut down vs go down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut down or go down?
In daily conversation, people use go down more often than cut down. This is because go down is used for more common actions such as descending stairs or going to a lower floor. Cut down is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about reducing something like expenses or time spent on an activity. So, while both phrases are used, go down is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut down and go down
Cut down and go 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 cut down and go down
The tone of cut down and go down can differ based on context. Cut down often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to reducing something like expenses or waste, while go down typically has a neutral or casual tone, especially when referring to physical movement.
