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Part 2 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
offoff fromoutout for

cut + off · 1 of 4

cut off

disconnect (phone, electricity, etc.)

  • cut sb/sth off

To stop a service like a phone call, electricity, or internet from working, often suddenly or by accident.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My phone call was cut off in the middle of our conversation.

A: Hello? Are you still there?
B: Sorry, I got cut off. The signal dropped.

Common mistake

Not: Sorry, my phone cut off me.

Say: Sorry, I got cut off. / We got cut off.

Use the passive 'got cut off' — you don't say 'cut off me'.

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

Another example

During the interview, my internet was cut off, so I had to reconnect and apologize to the interviewer.

Tell it apart

We got cut off halfway through.

  • the call dropped

They cut off the water supply.

  • stopped the service

Goes with

  • get/be cut off
Practice saying this
Next: cut off from

cut + off from · 2 of 4

cut off from

separated or isolated from

  • be/get cut off from sth

To be unable to reach or have contact with people or places — physically (because of a storm, distance or a broken phone) or emotionally (feeling isolated from them).

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After the storm, the village was completely cut off from the rest of the country.

A: Why haven't you called your parents lately?
B: My phone broke, so I've been cut off from everyone for days.

Common mistake

Not: We were cut off to the outside world.

Say: We were cut off from the outside world.

It's 'cut off FROM' something/someone — not 'to'.

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

Another example

If I lost internet access, I would feel cut off from my friends and all the news.

Tell it apart

The town was cut off from the rest of the country.

  • physically unreachable

He feels cut off from his old friends.

  • emotionally isolated

Goes with

  • cut off from + place/people
Practice saying this
Next: cut out

cut + out · 3 of 4

cut out

stop doing or eating something (usually for health reasons)

  • cut out sth

To stop doing or eating something, especially because it is unhealthy or not good for you.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After his doctor’s advice, Mark decided to cut out sugar from his diet.

A: You look great! Have you been working out?
B: Thanks! I actually just cut out junk food.

Common mistake

Not: I've cut out of eating chocolate.

Say: I've cut out chocolate. / I've cut chocolate out.

'Cut out + the thing' — no 'of eating'.

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

Another example

To improve my concentration, I had to cut out using my phone late at night.

Tell it apart

I've cut out fizzy drinks.

  • stopped completely

I've cut down on fizzy drinks.

  • drink less, not none

Goes with

  • cut out + food/habit
Practice saying this
Next: cut out for

cut + out for · 4 of 4

cut out for

to have the right qualities for something

  • be cut out for sth

To be naturally suited or have the right skills, personality, or ability for a particular job, activity, or situation.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I realized pretty quickly that I wasn't cut out for working in sales.

A: How's your new job at the hospital?
B: Honestly, I don't think I'm cut out for night shifts. It's exhausting!

Common mistake

Not: I'm not cut out for be a teacher.

Say: I'm not cut out to be a teacher. / not cut out for teaching.

'Cut out to be + role' OR 'cut out for + noun/-ing' — not 'cut out for be'.

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

Another example

I believe I'm cut out for a career in teaching because I enjoy helping others learn and I'm very patient.

Tell it apart

She's cut out for nursing.

  • has the right qualities by nature

She's not interested in nursing.

  • doesn't want to do it

Goes with

  • cut out to be / for
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 offcut off fromcut outcut out for