Phrasal verb
cut down
To cut down means to reduce the amount, size, or frequency of something.
Meanings
to reduce how much of something you use or do
to cut a tree so that it falls
Definition
If you cut down on something, you use less of it or do it less often. People often cut down to improve their health, save time, or manage resources. It can also mean to fell a tree by cutting it at the base.
Examples
- I’m trying to cut down on coffee in the afternoons.
- She cut down her screen time during the week.
- They cut down on waste by reusing containers.
- We had to cut down the dead tree after the storm.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition and say “cut down coffee” when they mean “cut down on coffee.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.