Cut down

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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition

To remove something by cutting, usually a tree

Example sentence
They cut down the old tree in the backyard.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.

cut down a tree

cut down the bushes

cut down the forest

cut down branches

workers cut down trees

Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.

They cut down the tree. ✅ (Correct)
They cut the tree down. ✅ (Correct)

Meaning 1 of 3
Definition

To reduce the amount of something. Often used with "on."

Example sentence
We need to cut down on our sugar intake.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Clip 1
⏱ Timestamp
Open on YouTube
Clip 2
⏱ Timestamp
Open on YouTube
Clip 3
⏱ Timestamp
Open on YouTube
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.

cut down on sugar

cut down on smoking

cut down on expenses

cut down on screen time

cut down your spending

Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.

He cut down on his expenses. ✅ (Correct)
He cut his expenses down on. ❌ (Incorrect)