cut me off

USAGE SUMMARY

'cut me off' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that typically means to interrupt someone or abruptly end something. For example, "My friend was about to tell me a long story but I told her to cut me off before I got too bored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Cut me off".

The New York Times

Had he cut me off earlier, and wanted to apologize?

The New York Times

They probably cut me off before the text arrived.

The Guardian

She said: "They almost tried to cut me off completely from everything.

Independent

The man cut me off with the simple language of miracles.

The New York Times - Travel

A taxi cut me off and I rocked through its wake into the stillness.

The New Yorker

"They sit me at home and cut me off from everything.

The New York Times

If we were driving and somebody cut me off, he would throw a little tantrum.

The New York Times

"I remember all those people who have cut me off," Kelly said.

The New York Times - Sports

"They cut me off from my parents, boom, boom," she said, chopping one hand through the air.

The New York Times

Her parents disapproved of her moving in with a poor artist, she said, so "they cut me off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For financial contexts, remember that "cut me off" can describe the act of ceasing financial support. Example: "After my parents found out about my low grades, they threatened to cut me off from financial aid."

Common error

Avoid using "cut me off" literally when you mean to describe something being trimmed or physically separated. "Cut me off" is usually employed figuratively to indicate interruption or termination. A better alternative could be 'trimmed my hair' or 'severed the rope'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut me off" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence. Ludwig's examples show its usage in various contexts, from interrupting someone's speech to terminating financial support, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut me off" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe interruption, termination, or obstruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, understanding its figurative meaning and choosing appropriate alternatives, such as "interrupt me" or "stop me short", is crucial for effective communication. Avoiding literal interpretations and recognizing the different contexts, from conversations to financial matters, ensures clear and precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt me

Focuses specifically on the act of interrupting someone's speech.

stop me short

Emphasizes a sudden and unexpected halt.

halt me

Implies a formal or abrupt cessation.

block my path

Refers to physical or metaphorical obstruction.

obstruct me

Suggests a deliberate act of hindering progress.

terminate my access

Focuses on the ending of access or a service.

sever my connection

Indicates a complete break in communication or relationship.

draw the line

Sets a limit or boundary that should not be crossed.

put an end to my involvement

Highlights the conclusion of one's participation.

discontinue my service

Specifically refers to the cessation of a service provision.

FAQs

How can I use "cut me off" in a sentence?

You can use "cut me off" to describe someone interrupting your speech, as in "He "cut me off" before I could finish my explanation." It can also refer to terminating support or access, such as "My parents threatened to "cut me off" if I didn't improve my grades."

What are some alternatives to "cut me off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "interrupt me", "stop me short", or "terminate my access". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to a conversation, physical path, or service.

Is "cut me off" formal or informal?

"Cut me off" is generally considered informal and is suitable for everyday conversations and casual writing. For more formal settings, consider using phrases like "interrupt me" or "cease communication with me".

What does it mean when someone says they'll "cut me off" financially?

In a financial context, "cut me off" means to stop providing financial support or resources. For instance, "If I don't get a job soon, my parents will "cut me off"."