be cut with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cut with a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing something that is being sliced or divided using a specific tool or method. Example: "The vegetables should be cut with a sharp knife to ensure clean edges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Here to jiggle for you, to be cut with a spoon, and to silently weep.

The New Yorker

Segments come off neatly with a twist or can be cut with a sharp knife.

The New York Times

Taxes, on the other hand, can be cut with a simple majority vote.

The New York Times

Dense and jammy, it can virtually be cut with a knife and spooned onto French toast and waffles.

The New York Times

It's a velvety filet mignon (that can be cut with a butter knife) covered by a smooth pepper cream sauce.

The New York Times

Lanthanum is a ductile and malleable silvery white metal that is soft enough to be cut with a knife.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lighter than water, it can be cut with a knife at room temperature but is brittle at low temperatures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The excess wire is cut with a pair of surgical wire-cutting pliers.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

She was cut with a dirty blade.

The Guardian

Her throat had been cut with a knife.

Independent

The umbilical cord was cut with a stone".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In recipes, be specific about the cutting tool if it affects the texture or appearance of the dish (e.g., "The vegetables should be cut with a mandoline for even slices").

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily. Instead of "The bread can be cut with a knife", consider "You can cut the bread with a knife" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cut with a" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating an action performed upon a subject. It specifies the instrument or method used for cutting. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase describes how different materials or objects are divided, sliced, or shaped.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be cut with a" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe how an object is divided using a specific tool or method. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and wikis. The phrase's function is primarily descriptive, highlighting the process of cutting and the instrument involved. While generally neutral in register, the context can shift it towards more formal or technical language. Remember to consider using the active voice for more direct sentences. Use this phrase to offer specific instructions or properties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be sliced with

Focuses specifically on slicing, implying a thin, flat cut.

be severed by

Suggests a more forceful or complete separation.

be divided using

Emphasizes the act of dividing something into parts with a tool.

be cleaved with

Indicates a sharp, clean split or division.

be trimmed with

Implies a light, neat cut, often for aesthetic purposes.

be incised by

Suggests a precise and deliberate cut, often in a medical context.

be shaped by

Highlights the alteration of form through cutting.

be sectioned by

Focuses on the creation of distinct sections through cutting.

be bisected with

Specifies division into two equal parts.

be intersected by

Highlights the point at which something is crossed or divided by a cut.

FAQs

How can I use "be cut with a" in a sentence?

Use "be cut with a" to describe an object being divided or sliced by a specific tool. For example, "The cake can "be cut with a" knife", or "The metal can "be cut with a" laser cutter".

What are some alternatives to "be cut with a"?

Alternatives include "be sliced with", "be severed by", or "be divided using", depending on the context and the desired emphasis.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice with "be cut with a"?

While "be cut with a" is grammatically correct, using an active voice can often make the sentence more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The paper can "be cut with a" scissor", consider "You can cut the paper with scissors".

When is it appropriate to use "be cut with a" in writing?

Use "be cut with a" when you want to emphasize the object being acted upon or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. It is suitable for describing processes, material properties, or historical practices.