cut back

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut back" can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean reducing or limiting something. For example, "The government has decided to cut back on public spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cut back on calories.

Harvard University

(Cut back to Lane).

The New Yorker

Cut back on video.

The New York Times - Tech

Cut back on packaged foods.

Harvard University

Managers cut back on planning.

The Economist

Cut back to the restaurant.

The New York Times

* Cut back helianthemums (rock roses).

Independent

— cut back on household staff.

The New York Times

Consumers can simply cut back.

The Economist

He cut back on food.

The New York Times

It should be cut back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "cut back", specify what they should reduce to provide clear and actionable guidance.

Common error

Avoid using "cut back" without specifying what needs to be reduced. For instance, instead of saying "You need to cut back", say "You need to "cut back" on your spending" or "You need to "cut back" on your sugar intake."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cut back" is a phrasal verb. It typically functions as a transitive verb when it's followed by what is being reduced (e.g., "cut back spending"). As Ludwig AI confirms, this verb phrase is commonly used to express the action of diminishing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

33%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut back" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express the act of reducing or limiting something. As Ludwig AI states, it is indeed valid for written English. Its usage is prevalent across diverse contexts, including news, media, and academic settings. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for varied audiences. When employing "cut back", it's best practice to clearly specify what is being reduced to avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "reduce", "limit", and "curtail depending" on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce

This alternative offers a direct synonym, indicating a decrease in quantity or intensity.

decrease

Similar to "reduce", this term highlights a lessening in amount or size.

limit

This suggests setting a boundary or restriction on something.

curtail

This implies a reduction, often in frequency or duration.

scale down

This suggests reducing the size or scope of an operation or activity.

trim

This alternative indicates removing excess or unwanted parts.

retrench

This refers to reducing costs or spending, often during economic difficulty.

economize

This implies careful management of resources to avoid waste.

tighten your belt

This idiom suggests reducing spending due to financial constraints.

downsize

This refers to reducing the size of a company or organization, often through layoffs.

FAQs

How can I use "cut back" in a sentence?

You can use "cut back" to indicate a reduction or decrease in something. For example: "We need to "cut back" our expenses", or "The company decided to "cut back" production".

What does "cut back" mean?

"Cut back" means to reduce the amount or level of something. It can refer to spending, consumption, production, or any other activity that can be lessened.

Which is more appropriate, "cut back" or "reduce"?

"Cut back" and "reduce" are often interchangeable, but "cut back" implies a more significant or deliberate reduction. "Reduce" is more general.

What can I say instead of "cut back"?

Alternatives include "decrease", "limit", or "curtail depending" on the specific context in which you're using the phrase.