a few cuts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few cuts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of cuts, whether in a physical context (like cuts on a surface) or metaphorically (like cuts in a budget or a film). Example: "After reviewing the footage, we decided to make a few cuts to improve the pacing of the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just a few cuts and grazes".

The New Yorker

A few cuts, a few bruises.

The New Yorker

In the mid-seventies, WBCN-FM, in Boston, began playing a few cuts from the record.

The New Yorker

Nursing a few cuts, Taylor declared: "No one should ever try that again".

Independent

He called for a few cuts but asked people not to get carried away.

The New York Times

(A few cuts in the edges prevented the bologna from rolling up in the pan).

The New York Times

"Playgrounds have become joyless, for fear of a few cuts and bruises.

The Guardian

A few cuts of aged prime meats take center stage, so why bother with anything else?

The New York Times

Dean told me, "People want to leave this event with a few cuts and bruises".

The New Yorker

The original Prague version is used, albeit with a few cuts.

The Guardian - Music

It is not that a few cuts here and there in the picture would have changed that picture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to film or music editing, use "a few cuts" to indicate minor adjustments made to the original work. For example, "The director made "a few cuts" to the movie to improve the pacing."

Common error

While "a few cuts" is acceptable in general writing, avoid it in formal documents where more precise language is needed. For instance, instead of saying "The budget required "a few cuts", use "The budget required specific reductions in spending."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few cuts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, indicating that the phrase is commonly used to describe a small number of reductions or injuries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few cuts" is a commonly used expression that generally refers to a small number of reductions, edits, or injuries. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While suitable for neutral and informal settings, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal writing. Related phrases include "minor incisions" and "slight reductions", offering alternatives to convey similar meanings. Understanding its appropriate usage helps writers avoid common errors, such as overusing it in professional documents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some minor wounds

Focuses on the injury aspect, specifying them as not severe.

minor incisions

Focuses specifically on the nature of the cuts being small and surgical.

several nicks

Refers to small, superficial cuts or abrasions.

a sprinkling of abrasions

Implies very light surface damage or minor irritations.

slight reductions

Shifts the focus to reductions, particularly in a budgetary or numerical sense.

a couple of slices

Emphasizes the action of slicing, often in cooking or editing contexts.

minimal alterations

Emphasizes that changes made were kept to a bare minimum.

limited modifications

Stresses the constraint on how many modifications were allowed.

a handful of deletions

Highlights the removal of content, whether in writing or film.

a small number of excisions

Highlights the formal and precise removal of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a few cuts" in a sentence?

You can use "a few cuts" to refer to minor physical injuries, such as "He escaped the accident with "a few cuts and bruises"". It can also refer to minor edits or reductions made to something, such as "The editor made "a few cuts" to the film to improve its pacing".

What are some synonyms for "a few cuts"?

Synonyms for "a few cuts" include phrases like "minor incisions", "slight reductions", or "several nicks depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "a few cuts" in formal writing?

While "a few cuts" is generally acceptable in informal and neutral contexts, it may be too casual for formal writing. In such cases, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "minor adjustments" or "specific reductions".

What's the difference between "a few cuts" and "major revisions"?

"A few cuts" implies minor edits or reductions, while "major revisions" suggests significant changes or alterations. The choice depends on the extent of the modifications made.