cut off from

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut off from" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that someone or something is completely isolated and separated from all other people or things. For example, "The small island was cut off from the mainland."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Argentina was cut off from international credit.

The New York Times

Cambodia was cut off from the world.

The New Yorker

They're cut off from reality.

The Guardian

shall be cut off from its people.

Harvard University

I am cut off from the process.

The Guardian

Politicians are cut off from our lives.

The Guardian

She felt cut off from everything.

The New Yorker

Modern man is cut off from the natural conditions.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

People were cut off from rescue and communications.

Stanford University

To be cut off from other workers is to be cut off from everything.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's like limbs being cut off from the body".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cut off from" when you want to emphasize a state of complete isolation or separation, whether physical, emotional, or communicative. For example, "The town was completely "cut off from" the outside world after the storm."

Common error

Avoid using "cut off from" in situations where a simple lack of access is meant. For example, instead of saying "He was "cut off from" the internet," which implies a deliberate severing, use "He didn't have internet access" if it's just a matter of availability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of separation or disconnection. Ludwig examples show its versatility in describing physical, emotional, and informational separation. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cut off from" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes a state of separation or disconnection. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct phrase, used to convey physical, emotional, or informational isolation. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its frequent usage in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is suitable for various writing styles, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience when choosing the most appropriate synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Isolated from

Replaces "cut off" with "isolated", emphasizing the state of being alone or separated.

Disconnected from

Uses "disconnected" to highlight a break in connection or communication.

Secluded from

Emphasizes the idea of being hidden or sheltered away from something.

Separated from

A more general term for being kept apart.

Alienated from

Highlights a feeling of estrangement or distance, often emotionally.

Divorced from

Implies a formal or decisive separation.

Segregated from

Suggests a separation based on specific characteristics or criteria.

Excluded from

Focuses on being deliberately left out or prevented from accessing something.

Detached from

Indicates a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

Removed from

A broad term indicating a physical or metaphorical taking away.

FAQs

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

You can use "cut off from" to describe physical isolation (e.g., "The village was "cut off from" the main road after the landslide"), emotional detachment (e.g., "He felt "cut off from" his family"), or lack of access (e.g., "They were "cut off from" reliable information").

What's the difference between "cut off from" and "isolated from"?

While both phrases suggest separation, "cut off from" often implies a more forceful or sudden disconnection, while "isolated from" can refer to a more gradual or inherent state of being apart.

What are some alternatives to using "cut off from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disconnected from", "separated from", or "alienated from" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "cut off from" in formal writing?

Yes, "cut off from" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate. In some cases, a more formal synonym like "separated from" might be preferable.