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B1At the Doctor

Cut Down On: Doctor’s Advice for Health

Phrasal Verb: cut down on |Grammar: Modal Verbs (should/must)

Objective

Students will learn to understand and use the phrasal verb 'cut down on' and modal verbs 'should' and 'must' when talking about doctor’s advice on lifestyle changes.

Article

When you visit the doctor, you often hear advice about your lifestyle. One common suggestion is to cut down on things that can harm your health. For example, you should cut down on sugary drinks and fast food if you want to feel better. The doctor might say you must cut down on smoking because it is very dangerous. Cutting down on stress is also important; you should try to relax more. Many people find it hard to cut down on unhealthy habits, but the doctor explains that you must do this to improve your health. You should cut down on salt in your diet to lower blood pressure. Overall, doctors use modal verbs like 'should' and 'must' to tell you what is important for your health. Following these instructions can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To 'cut down on' something means to reduce the amount of it you do or consume.

Grammar Note

Modal verbs like 'should' and 'must' are used to give advice or express necessity. 'Should' suggests a recommendation, while 'must' shows an obligation.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'cut down on' with nouns that refer to foods, drinks, or activities.
  • 'Should' is softer advice; 'must' is stronger and shows something is necessary.
  • Place modal verbs before the base form of the main verb: you should cut down on sugar.

Examples

You should cut down on salt to keep your blood pressure low.

Doctor giving dietary advice

You must cut down on smoking if you want to improve your health.

Serious health warning

The doctor said I should cut down on coffee in the afternoon.

Suggestion to reduce caffeine

You should cut down on stress by practising relaxation techniques.

Advice for mental health

He must cut down on fast food because of his cholesterol levels.

Medical necessity for diet

Dialogue

Context: A patient visits the doctor to discuss health and lifestyle changes.

Doctor:
You need to cut down on sugar and fatty foods.
Patient:
I see. Should I also change my exercise routine?
Doctor:
Yes, you should exercise more often to improve your heart health.
Patient:
And what about smoking? I find it hard to quit.
Doctor:
You must cut down on smoking as much as possible; it’s very harmful.
Patient:
I understand. I’ll do my best to follow your advice.

Vocabulary

Cholesterol
A fatty substance found in the blood that can affect heart health.
Example: High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.
Synonym: Fat
Blood pressure
The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
Example: You should monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Synonym: BP
Relaxation
The state of being calm and free from stress.
Example: Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress.
Synonym: Calm
Caffeine
A natural stimulant found in coffee and tea.
Example: Too much caffeine can cause insomnia.
Synonym: Stimulant
Lifestyle
The way a person lives, including habits and behaviours.
Example: A healthy lifestyle includes good diet and exercise.
Synonym: Way of life
Obligation
A duty or something you must do.
Example: You have an obligation to follow the doctor’s advice.
Synonym: Duty
Habit
A regular behaviour or practice.
Example: Smoking is a bad habit that affects your health.
Synonym: Routine
Reduce
To make something smaller in size or amount.
Example: You should reduce your sugar intake.
Synonym: Cut down
Advice
Suggestions or recommendations about what to do.
Example: The doctor gave me advice about my diet.
Synonym: Recommendation
Health
The condition of a person's body or mind.
Example: Good health is important for a happy life.
Synonym: Well-being

Tips

  • When a doctor says 'you must', it means it is very important to follow the advice.
  • Use 'cut down on' for things that can be counted or measured, like food or habits.
  • Don’t confuse 'must' with 'should'—'must' is stronger and shows necessity.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned the meaning of the phrasal verb 'cut down on' and how to use modal verbs 'should' and 'must' to give advice or express necessity. You practised these in the context of doctor’s advice about lifestyle changes to improve health.

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