cut off paper

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut off paper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the action of trimming a piece of paper. For example, "I cut off the extra paper from the edges of the sheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Long-distance and wireless businesses, suffering from the poor economy and the telecommunications industry's troubles, also appear eager to cut off paper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cutting off paper bills will also help foil identity thieves who could lift information from your parent's mail.

Huffington Post

Draw a heart shape to a size which you want your pillow to be on the paper; cut off the paper heart.

WikiHow

Write down the name one paper; cut off the paper piece with a 4 centimeter (1.6 in) long left apart from the name.

WikiHow

Cut off the excess paper.

WikiHow

Cut off the excess paper at the right end and then cut at the fold.

WikiHow

Cut off the excess paper that is coming off the sides.

WikiHow

Cut off the excess paper sticking out from the top, but cut a little bit more off the top, and then you can stretch over the top with the t-shirt.

WikiHow

Brandon put on a jean jacket with the sleeves cut off and used a paper towel to dab at his forehead, which was still bleeding.

The New Yorker

Cut off the excess piece of paper out created by the fold.

WikiHow

Cut off the fabric shape as the paper pattern; each pattern has two pieces in the same.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, be precise about what portion of the paper needs to be "cut off". Use measurements or clear visual cues to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cut off paper" when you intend to convey merely trimming or detaching a small portion. Using alternatives like "trim paper" may be more appropriate to prevent unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off paper" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action performed on paper. This action can be literal, such as physically cutting paper, or figurative, such as discontinuing paper-based processes. Ludwig provides examples showing both usages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

42%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cut off paper" is a versatile expression with both literal and figurative meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe either the physical act of cutting paper or the cessation of using paper in a particular context. While primarily found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of situations. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey to avoid ambiguity, and make use of the provided alternatives for more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trim paper

Focuses specifically on tidying or reducing the size of paper by cutting.

remove excess paper

Highlights the act of taking away extra paper, emphasizing waste reduction.

detach paper

Emphasizes the separation of paper from something it was connected to.

sever paper supply

Focuses on stopping the provision of paper, often in a business or organizational context.

discontinue paper billing

Specifically refers to stopping paper invoices or statements.

eliminate paper use

Suggests a complete cessation of using paper, often for environmental reasons.

halt paper production

Indicates stopping the manufacturing of paper.

end paper communication

Suggests ceasing correspondence or announcements via paper documents.

cancel paper subscription

Specifically refers to stopping a paper-based periodical delivery.

extract paper section

Suggests removing a part or portion of paper.

FAQs

How is "cut off paper" used in different contexts?

The phrase "cut off paper" can refer to physically cutting a piece of paper, as in crafts, or metaphorically stopping the use or supply of paper, as in business.

What are some alternatives to "cut off paper" when referring to physical cutting?

Alternatives include "trim paper", "remove excess paper", or "detach paper" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "cut off paper" in a business context?

In a business context, "cut off paper" can refer to stopping paper billing or communication. For instance, a company might "discontinue paper billing" to save costs.

What does "eliminate paper use" imply compared to "cut off paper"?

Eliminate paper use suggests a complete cessation of using paper altogether, often driven by environmental concerns, whereas "cut off paper" can refer to a more specific or limited action, such as trimming excess paper in a craft project.