What are the definitions of “pare down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce, decrease.
They have PARED DOWN the number of employees as they haven't been doing well.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pare down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pare down is to reduce or decrease something, such as the number of items in a list, the size of a budget, or the number of employees in a company.
What are the different verb forms of “pare down”?
| Root Verb | pare down |
| Third Person Singular Present | pares down |
| Present Participle | paring down |
| Simple Past | pared down |
| Past Participle | pared down |
Example
We need to pare down our expenses to save money.
Example
She pares down her wardrobe every season.
Example
They are paring down the guest list for the party.
Example
He pared down his collection of books before moving.
Example
The company has pared down its workforce due to financial difficulties.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pare down”?
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
“pare down” 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
We need to pare down our expenses.
Example
She pared down her wardrobe.
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
“pare down” 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
We need to pare down our expenses.
Example
She pared down her wardrobe.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pare down”?
Good things to know
Does “pare down” have an informal or formal tone?
Pare down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
