Differences between cut down and turn down
Cut down means to reduce the amount or size of something, while turn down means to reject an offer or request.
Meanings and Definitions: cut down vs turn 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.
Turn down
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
Usage Examples: cut down, turn 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.
turn down
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut down
To make something smaller or less in quantity.
Example
I need to reduce my sugar intake to improve my health.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down
To refuse or decline an offer or request.
Example
She had to reject the job offer because it didn't meet her salary expectations.
decline
To politely refuse an offer or invitation.
Example
She had to decline the dinner invitation because she was feeling unwell.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Differences in cut down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut down or turn down?
Both cut down and turn down are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, cut down is more frequently used than turn down because it can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut down and turn down
Turn down is slightly more formal than cut down. It is often used in professional settings such as business or academic contexts. Cut down is more informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends and family.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cut down and turn down
The tone of cut down is usually neutral or positive, as it implies reducing something that may be excessive or harmful. On the other hand, the tone of turn down is usually negative or disappointing, as it implies rejecting an offer or request.
