Phrasal verb
cut down on
Definition
phrasal verb. to do or use something less often, usually to improve your health or save money.
phrasal verb. to reduce the consumption, frequency, or quantity of something; typically used in the context of dietary habits or expenditures.
Examples
“I am trying to cut down on coffee.”
“The doctor told him he needs to cut down on sugar to lower his blood pressure.”
“The government has introduced new legislation aimed at forcing major industrial plants to cut down on their carbon emissions over the next decade.”
Examples
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.”
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.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cut + down + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/cut-down-on