cut back on

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut back on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to talk about reducing the amount of something. For example: I have to cut back on spending if I want to save money for a new house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cut back on video.

The New York Times - Tech

Cut back on calories.

Harvard University

Managers cut back on planning.

The Economist

— cut back on household staff.

The New York Times

He cut back on food.

The New York Times

He cut back on dessert.

The New York Times - Food

Cut back on packaged foods.

Harvard University

"We won't cut back on shoes".

The New York Times

I cut back on my marijuana intake".

The New Yorker

Cut back on salt and processed foods.

Harvard University

Another Reason to Cut Back on Meat?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to reduce something harmful, specify the area. For example, "cut back on sugary drinks" is more effective than simply saying "cut back on things."

Common error

Avoid vague advice like "cut back on expenses" without providing actionable steps. Instead, suggest specific areas for reduction, such as "cut back on nonessential subscriptions."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cut back on" functions as a directive or recommendation to reduce the quantity or frequency of something. Ludwig's examples show this usage across a range of topics, from food intake to spending.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut back on" is a versatile phrasal verb that means to reduce the amount or frequency of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general advice, as seen in the Ludwig examples. To use it effectively, be specific about what should be reduced and consider the context to tailor your language appropriately. Remember that while "cut back on" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might suit professional writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "cut back on" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce consumption of

Focuses specifically on decreasing the amount consumed.

decrease usage of

Highlights the reduction in the act of using something.

limit intake of

Primarily used in the context of food or beverages, emphasizing controlled consumption.

scale down

Implies a reduction in size, scope, or intensity of an operation or activity.

curtail

Suggests a more abrupt or forceful reduction, often in response to a need or restriction.

economize on

Specifically refers to reducing expenses or using resources more efficiently.

retrench

Suggests a defensive cutting back, often in response to financial difficulties.

downsize

Often used in a business context to describe reducing the size of a workforce or operations.

pare down

Implies a careful and selective reduction to remove unnecessary elements.

trim

Suggests a slight or superficial reduction, often for aesthetic or efficiency purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "cut back on" in a sentence about diet?

You can say, "I need to "cut back on" processed foods to improve my health" or "The doctor advised me to "cut back on" salt intake".

What are some synonyms for "cut back on"?

Alternatives include "reduce consumption of", "decrease usage of", or "limit intake of", depending on the context.

Is "cut back on" formal or informal?

"Cut back on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional writing.

What's the difference between "cut back on" and "eliminate"?

"Cut back on" means to reduce something, while "eliminate" means to completely remove it. For example, you might "cut back on" sugar, but "eliminate" trans fats from your diet.