Meaning trap
cut in
interrupt someone who is speaking
To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.
Another meaning of 'cut in' is 'suddenly drive in front of another vehicle'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Please don't cut in while I'm explaining the instructions.
During group discussions, it's important not to cut in when someone else is sharing their opinion.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He always cuts in me when I'm talking.
Say: He always cuts in when I'm talking. / He always cuts me off.
'Cut in' is intransitive ('cut in while/when'); to interrupt a person, use 'cut someone off'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Cut in' is the natural spoken way to flag an interruption; the apology is over-formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cut in (+ on)
- on the conversation
- to add
- suddenly
- rudely
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- cut in (suddenly drive in front of another vehicle) — Another meaning of 'cut in' is 'suddenly drive in front of another vehicle'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.