are being cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action where something is currently being reduced or removed. Example: "Due to budget constraints, several programs are being cut from the annual budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Programmes are being cut.

The Economist

Opening hours are being cut.

The Guardian - Books

Expenses are being cut.

The New York Times

But their incomes, too, are being cut.

The New York Times

Taxes are being cut a bit.

The Economist

Public-sector jobs are being cut.

The Economist

Unemployment benefits are being cut.

The Guardian - Opinion

Defence budgets are being cut.

The Guardian - Film

Editorial staffs are being cut back.

The Guardian

They are being cut," she says.

The Guardian

"The funds are being cut very drastically.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being cut", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being reduced or eliminated. For example, specify "budgets are being cut" rather than just "things are being cut."

Common error

Avoid using "are being cut" without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying "Actions are being cut", specify "Unnecessary actions are being cut" to provide clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being cut" functions as a passive progressive verb phrase, indicating an action (cutting) that is currently in progress and being done to the subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being cut" is a commonly used passive progressive verb phrase that signifies an ongoing process of reduction or elimination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "are being reduced" or "are being eliminated" may be preferable in certain settings. When using "are being cut", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being reduced. Despite its frequent usage, avoiding ambiguity ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being reduced

Focuses on the act of diminishing something in size, amount or degree.

are being diminished

Emphasizes a gradual decrease or lessening of something.

are being decreased

Highlights the numerical reduction of something.

are being eliminated

Indicates a complete removal or eradication of something.

are being removed

Focuses on the physical or figurative act of taking something away.

are being curtailed

Implies a restriction or limitation being placed on something.

are being scaled back

Suggests a reduction in scope or intensity.

are being lessened

Indicates a reduction in severity or intensity.

are being trimmed

Implies a superficial reduction or tidying up.

are being axed

Suggests a sudden and often drastic cut or termination.

FAQs

How can I use "are being cut" in a sentence?

You can use "are being cut" to describe an ongoing reduction or elimination of something. For example, "Funding for the arts is being cut" or "Job positions are being cut due to restructuring".

What's a more formal alternative to "are being cut"?

For a more formal tone, you might consider alternatives like "are being reduced" or "are being eliminated", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "are being cut" and "are being reduced"?

While both indicate a decrease, "are being cut" often implies a more abrupt or decisive action, whereas "are being reduced" suggests a more gradual or controlled decrease.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "are being cut"?

It's suitable in contexts where resources, budgets, or quantities are actively being reduced, often due to economic pressures or strategic decisions. You can also use alternatives like "are being scaled back" or "are being trimmed".