Part 1 of 2 · Same verb · different particle

“cut” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “cut” has 8 of them, so they come in 2 parts. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.

8 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

cut

across back on down on in

cut + across · 1 of 4

cut across

to go across an area instead of going around the edge

cut across sth

to move straight through the middle of a place, rather than following the usual path around it, in order to save time or distance.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

We decided to cut across the park to get home faster.

A: How did you get here so quickly?
B: I cut across the field instead of walking all the way around.

Common mistake

Not: Let's cut across ~~through~~ the park.

Say: Let's cut across the park.

'Cut across' already means go through — don't add 'through'.

More on “cut across”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I'm running late for class, I usually cut across the campus lawn instead of taking the main path.

Tell it apart

Let's cut across the field.

go straight through it

Let's go around the field.

follow the edge — the long way

Goes with

cut across + place

Practice saying this

Next: cut back on

cut + back on · 2 of 4

cut back on

reduce

cut back on sth

To use or do less of something, especially to save money or improve health.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I'm trying to cut back on sugar because it's better for my health.

A: Why aren't you having dessert tonight?
B: I'm cutting back on sweets to lose some weight.

Common mistake

Not: We're trying to cut back our ~~spending on.~~

Say: We're trying to cut back on our spending.

Word order: 'cut back ON [something]'.

More on “cut back on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

To save money, many people have to cut back on unnecessary expenses, such as eating out or buying new clothes.

Tell it apart

I've cut back on coffee.

reduced, not zero

I've cut out coffee.

stopped completely

Goes with

cut back on + spending/intake

Practice saying this

Next: cut down on

cut + down on · 3 of 4

cut down on

reduce

cut down on sth

To use or do something less, especially because it is unhealthy, expensive, or unnecessary.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I'm trying to cut down on sugar because it's bad for my teeth.

A: Do you want another coffee?
B: No, I'm cutting down on caffeine lately.

Common mistake

Not: I want to cut down sugar.

Say: I want to cut down on sugar.

Use 'cut down ON' something. ('Cut down a tree' is a different, literal meaning.)

More on “cut down on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

To improve my health, I decided to cut down on junk food and exercise more regularly.

Tell it apart

I've cut down on coffee.

reduced how much

I've cut out coffee completely.

stopped entirely

Goes with

cut down on + excess

Practice saying this

Next: cut in

cut + in · 4 of 4

cut in

interrupt someone who is speaking

cut in on sb/sth

To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Please don't cut in while I'm explaining the instructions.

A: I was saying that—
B: Sorry to cut in, but I think we need to hurry.

Common mistake

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'.

More on “cut in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During group discussions, it's important not to cut in when someone else is sharing their opinion.

Tell it apart

Sorry to cut in, but we're out of time.

interrupt to speak

He cut me off mid-sentence.

stopped me from finishing

Goes with

cut in (+ on)

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “cut” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “cut” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “cut”

8 phrasal verbs in 2 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

cut across cut back on cut down on cut in