are cut off

USAGE SUMMARY

"are cut off" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase "are cut off" when referring to something that has been abruptly stopped or severed, such as a phone call, a power supply, or a water supply. Example: Due to the storm, the power lines are cut off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The phone lines are cut off".

The New York Times

Some villages are cut off for weeks.

The Guardian

"The other routes in are cut off".

The Guardian

"Bits are hacked; interviews are cut off".

The New York Times

"They are cut off from the rest of Pakistan.

The New Yorker

Lots are cut off from mainstream news and information.

The New Yorker

Whole regions are cut off from the centre.

The Economist

"It's dead, too - we are cut off from civilisation".

The Guardian - Travel

Developing countries are cut off from international finance.

The New York Times

Activity of the root cambium is comparable with that of the stem cambium; phloem elements are cut off outward, and xylem elements are cut off within.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Corporate campuses, built where fruit and nut trees once stood, are cut off by busy thoroughfares.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are cut off", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being disconnected or isolated. For example, "The village was cut off from supplies" is more specific than "They are cut off".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with "are cut off" when active voice provides more clarity and impact. Instead of "The funds are cut off by the government", consider "The government cut off the funds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are cut off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is experiencing a disconnection or termination. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe physical disconnections (e.g., phone lines, roads) and more abstract disconnections (e.g., from news, financial support).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are cut off" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying a state of disconnection or isolation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in various contexts. It's essential to ensure clarity about what is being disconnected and to avoid overuse of passive voice for more impactful writing. Alternatives such as "are disconnected" or ""are isolated"" can be used depending on the intended nuance. When using "are cut off", consider its neutral register and tailor the surrounding language accordingly. With examples spanning news, science, and general knowledge, understanding its multifaceted applications ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are disconnected

Focuses on the state of being separated or not linked.

are isolated

Emphasizes the state of being alone or separated from others.

are separated

Highlights the act of being divided or kept apart.

are detached

Implies a lack of connection or involvement.

are severed

Focuses on the act of being completely cut or broken off.

are interrupted

Highlights a temporary or sudden break in continuity.

are terminated

Emphasizes the ending or cessation of something.

are discontinued

Focuses on the stopping of something that was previously ongoing.

are suspended

Highlights a temporary cessation or interruption.

are excluded

Emphasizes the act of being left out or not included.

FAQs

How is "are cut off" used in a sentence?

The phrase "are cut off" indicates a state of being disconnected or isolated. For instance, "The remote villages "are isolated" after the heavy snowfall" means the villages are inaccessible.

What phrases are similar to "are cut off"?

Similar phrases include "are disconnected", ""are isolated"", or "are severed", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are cut off" or "are cutted off"?

"Are cut off" is the correct passive form of the verb "cut off". "Are cutted off" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "are cut off" and "are separated"?

"Are cut off" implies a more forceful or abrupt disconnection, while "are separated" suggests a division or distance without necessarily implying a sudden break.