Grammar fix
cut back on
reduce
To use or do less of something, especially to save money or improve health.
phrasal verbB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I'm trying to cut back on sugar because it's better for my health.
To save money, many people have to cut back on unnecessary expenses, such as eating out or buying new clothes.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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]'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Cut back on' is everyday budget talk; 'decrease expenditure on non-essential items' is an accountant's report.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cut back on + spending/intake
- spending
- sugar
- hours
- costs