What are the definitions of “cut down on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce.
Doctors advised her to CUT DOWN ON the amount of saturated fats in her diet.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut down on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut down on is to reduce or decrease the amount or quantity of something. It is often used when talking about making changes to one's diet, habits, or lifestyle.
What are the different verb forms of “cut down on”?
| Root Verb | cut down on |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuts down on |
| Present Participle | cutting down on |
| Simple Past | cut down on |
| Past Participle | cut down on |
Example
I need to cut down on my coffee intake.
Example
She cuts down on sugar to stay healthy.
Example
He is cutting down on his screen time before bed.
Example
Last month, they cut down on their spending.
Example
I have cut down on junk food since the beginning of the year.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cut down on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cut down on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She cut down on her daily sugar intake.
Example
He cut down on the time he spent watching TV.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cut down on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She cut down on her daily sugar intake.
Example
He cut down on the time he spent watching TV.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut down on”?
Good things to know
Does “cut down on” have an informal or formal tone?
Cut down on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as in professional or academic discussions.
