cut short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut short" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an interruption or abrupt ending. For example, "The conversation was cut short when her phone rang."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The phrases are cut short.

The New York Times

It was, however, cut short.

The Economist

Curran cut short the banter.

The New Yorker

Cut short his trip?

The Guardian - Opinion

Another life cut short.

The New York Times - Arts

His hair was cut short.

The New Yorker

The interview was cut short.

The Guardian - Opinion

His life was cut short by alcoholism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He cut short his own rhetoric.

The New York Times - Sports

His fingernails were clean and cut short.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Their life wasn't cut short it was purposely abandoned".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cut short", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being interrupted. For example, instead of saying "The meeting was cut short", specify "The meeting was cut short due to a fire alarm".

Common error

Ensure that the subject being "cut short" is clearly defined. Ambiguous use can lead to misinterpretation. For example, avoid saying "It was cut short" without specifying what "it" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut short" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It indicates that something was interrupted or terminated before its expected or natural end. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an abrupt ending. Examples from Ludwig show its application across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut short" is a frequently used verb phrase indicating an abrupt or premature termination. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in a range of contexts. Usage analysis reveals it is particularly common in news and media, wikis, and encyclopedias. When using "cut short", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, as it is versatile and can describe various interruptions, from conversations to careers. Ludwig provides many examples showing its use across a variety of topics. Alternatives, like "abruptly end" or "prematurely terminate", can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abruptly end

Focuses on the suddenness of the ending, emphasizing the lack of anticipation.

prematurely terminate

Highlights that the termination occurred before the expected or normal time.

bring to an early close

Emphasizes the act of actively ending something sooner than planned.

halt abruptly

Stresses the sudden cessation or stopping of an action or event.

curtail prematurely

Similar to "prematurely terminate" but with a slightly different connotation of reducing or limiting.

truncate unexpectedly

Focuses on the action of shortening something in an unforeseen manner.

break off suddenly

Emphasizes the interruption and suddenness of the termination.

stop mid-course

Indicates an interruption that happens during the execution of a plan or activity.

arrest development

Focuses specifically on stopping growth or progress before completion.

check its course

Implies that something is stopped from reaching its natural conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "cut short" to describe the interruption or termination of an event, conversation, or activity before its natural conclusion. For example, "The concert was "cut short" because of the heavy rain".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cut short"?

Alternatives include "abruptly end", "prematurely terminate", or "bring to an early close" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "cut short" or "shortened" in describing an event's duration?

"Cut short" implies an unexpected interruption, while "shortened" simply means made shorter. If the event ended abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances, "cut short" is more appropriate. If it was planned to be shorter from the beginning, "shortened" is a better fit.

Can "cut short" be used to describe a person's life?

Yes, "cut short" can be used to describe a life that ended prematurely. For example, "His life was "cut short" by a tragic accident".