If I just say "dim" (not "dim down"), does it sound awkward?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Saying simply "dim" would not be awkward at all. Since the word "dim" means to make or become less bright I would say that actually "down" is kind of unnecessary in the original sentence from the clip. I think "dim half the lights" is more natural sounding anyway. Ex: Let's dim the lights and watch a movie. Ex: He's still afraid of the dark so I just dim the lights in his room.