ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut down on

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to do or use something less often, usually to improve your health or save money.

phr. v.. to reduce the consumption, frequency, or quantity of something; typically used in the context of dietary habits or expenditures.


SIMPLE

I am trying to cut down on coffee.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor told him he needs to cut down on sugar to lower his blood pressure.

COMPLEX

The government has introduced new legislation aimed at forcing major industrial plants to cut down on their carbon emissions over the next decade.

Particles
down on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cut + down + on + object
Usage

this is a three-part phrasal verb that must be followed by an object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'cut out' (to stop completely) to help students understand that 'cut down on' implies a reduction rather than total elimination.

Pitfall

I need to cut down my salt.I need to cut down on my salt.the preposition 'on' is essential when you mention the thing you are reducing.

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