Select the most appropriate word segment for the underlined word in the given sentence. Pintu has been advised to reduce smoking by his family doctor.
cut down
Understanding Word Segments and Sentence Completion
This question asks us to choose the most appropriate word segment or phrase to replace the underlined words "reduce smoking" in the given sentence: "Pintu has been advised to reduce smoking by his family doctor." We need to find a phrase that has a similar meaning and fits naturally in the sentence.
Analysing the Phrase "Reduce Smoking"
The phrase "reduce smoking" means to smoke less frequently or to decrease the amount of tobacco consumed. Doctors often advise patients to reduce or stop smoking for health reasons.
Evaluating the Options for Replacing "Reduce Smoking"
Let's look at each option provided and see if it fits the meaning and context of the sentence:
- lower down: This phrase typically refers to physically moving something to a lower position (e.g., "lower down the blinds") or sometimes reducing the level of something abstract, but it's not commonly used for reducing habits like smoking.
- up down: This is not a standard English phrase to mean reduction or anything else in this context. It might describe vertical movement or fluctuation, but it doesn't fit here.
- less down: This phrase is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the meaning of reducing a habit. "Less" indicates a smaller quantity, but "less down" is not a recognized idiom or phrasal verb.
- cut down: The phrasal verb "cut down" means to reduce the amount or frequency of something. It is very commonly used in the context of reducing consumption of food, drink, or cigarettes/smoking. For example, "cut down on sugar," "cut down on drinking," or "cut down on smoking."
Selecting the Most Appropriate Word Segment
Comparing the options, "cut down" is the most appropriate phrase to replace "reduce smoking" because it specifically means to reduce the amount or frequency of a habit, which aligns perfectly with the action advised by the family doctor regarding smoking.
The sentence rewritten with the appropriate phrase would be: "Pintu has been advised to cut down smoking by his family doctor." This sentence makes perfect sense and is grammatically correct.
Conclusion on Replacing "Reduce Smoking"
Based on the analysis of each option's meaning and common usage, the phrase "cut down" is the most suitable replacement for "reduce smoking" in the given sentence.
Revision Table: Key Phrases for Reduction
| Phrase | Common Usage Context | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce smoking | Habits, consumption | To decrease the amount or frequency of smoking. |
| Cut down (on) | Habits, consumption (smoking, eating, drinking) | To reduce the amount or frequency of doing or consuming something. |
| Lower down | Physical objects, levels (sometimes abstract) | To move something physically downwards; sometimes to decrease intensity/level. |
Additional Information: Phrasal Verbs for Habits
Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that function as a single unit of meaning. Many phrasal verbs are used when discussing habits and changes to habits.
- Cut down on: As discussed, means to reduce consumption or frequency. (e.g., "I need to cut down on coffee.")
- Give up: Means to stop doing something completely. (e.g., "He decided to give up smoking entirely.")
- Take up: Means to start a hobby, sport, or habit. (e.g., "She took up yoga for stress relief.")
- Stick to: Means to continue doing something; maintain a habit or plan. (e.g., "It's hard to stick to a diet.")
Understanding common phrasal verbs related to habits is important for improving fluency and comprehension in English.
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