Differences between cut down on and cut out
Cut down on means to reduce the amount of something, while cut out means to completely stop doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: cut down on vs cut out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cut down on
- 1Reduce.
Doctors advised her to CUT DOWN ON the amount of saturated fats in her diet.
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 on, cut out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cut down on
Example
I need to cut down on my coffee intake.
Example
She cuts down on sugar to stay healthy.
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 on
To make something smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
Example
She decided to reduce her sugar intake by cutting down on sweets and sugary drinks.
To set a boundary or restriction on something to prevent excess or overindulgence.
Example
He had to limit his screen time to cut down on eye strain and improve his sleep quality.
To shorten or restrict something to a certain extent.
Example
The company had to curtail its expenses to stay within budget during the pandemic.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut out
To stop doing something completely, usually a bad habit or behavior.
Example
He decided to quit smoking to improve his health and save money.
give up
To stop doing something that one has been doing regularly or habitually.
Example
She had to give up caffeine to avoid triggering her anxiety symptoms.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “down on”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
- send out
- cast out
- freeze out
- chalk out
- rack out
Differences in cut down on vs cut out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut down on or cut out?
Both cut down on and cut out are commonly used in daily conversation. However, cut down on is more frequently used as it refers to reducing something rather than completely eliminating it.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut down on and cut out
Both cut down on and cut out are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, 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 on and cut out
The tone of cut down on and cut out can differ based on context. Cut down on often carries a practical and positive tone when related to reducing something like expenses or unhealthy habits, while cut out typically has a more serious tone, especially when referring to stopping a bad habit or behavior.
