Question

Explain the difference in meaning between the pairs of sentences:(1) (a) He has cut down the mango tree.(b) He has cut down on his sugar intake.(ii) (a) She put aside her needlework.(b) She tries to put aside a little money every month.​

Answer 1

Answer:

(1) The words 'cut down' are used differently.

In (1) (a), 'cut down' implies that he has chopped the mango tree into pieces, while in (1) (b), 'cut down' implies that he has lessened the amount of sugar he ingests.

(2) The words 'put aside' is used differently.

In (2) (a), 'put aside' implies that she stopped doing needlework and put the materials away, while in (2) (b), 'put aside' implies that she tries to save a little money every month for future use.