cut you off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut you off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to abruptly end a conversation or to stop someone from speaking. Example: "I was trying to explain my side of the story, but she suddenly cut me off and wouldn't let me finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They cut you off.

The New York Times

They just try to cut you off.

The New York Times

"Some will cut you off.

The New York Times

And teachers don't cut you off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That fucking building is going to cut you off".

The New Yorker

Then we'll cut you off at the knees.

The New York Times

If you don't pay, they cut you off.

The New York Times

"All right, I'm sorry to cut you off — we've got a segment," Ahmad said.

The New Yorker

Fortunately, the electric company can't cut you off during the winter".

The New York Times

"You get tailgaters, they cut you off," said Rob Rohner, the secretary/treasurer of Lehman Township.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"All right, I'm sorry to cut you off we've got a segment," Ahmad said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cut you off" in writing, ensure the context is clear whether you're referring to interrupting someone's speech, obstructing someone's path, or terminating a service. The meaning changes depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "cut you off" in situations where a more precise term would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "they cut you off from resources", use "they deprived you of resources" for increased clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut you off" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It’s used to indicate an interruption, an obstruction, or a termination. Ludwig provides examples showing its diverse applications, from abruptly ending conversations to physically blocking someone's path or terminating access to something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cut you off" is a versatile phrasal verb widely used to indicate interruption, obstruction, or termination. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources, along with its neutral register, makes it appropriate for diverse communication scenarios. When using "cut you off", ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like ""interrupt you"" or "block your path" can provide alternative ways to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interrupt you

Focuses on the act of interjecting during someone's speech.

stop you short

Emphasizes a sudden and abrupt halt to an action or speech.

block your path

Highlights obstructing someone's physical or metaphorical progress.

shut you down

Implies a forceful and complete cessation of activity or communication.

terminate your access

Refers specifically to ending someone's access to a service or resource.

disrupt your flow

Emphasizes the disturbance of a continuous process or thought.

halt your progress

Focuses on preventing advancement or forward movement.

pull the plug on you

An idiomatic expression for abruptly ending support or funding.

isolate you

Highlights the act of separating someone from others or from resources.

cease your involvement

Indicates the termination of someone's participation in something.

FAQs

What does "cut you off" mean?

The phrase "cut you off" can mean to abruptly interrupt someone who is speaking, to obstruct someone's path while driving, or to terminate someone's access to something. The specific meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use "cut you off" in various contexts. For example: "I'm sorry to "interrupt you", but we need to move on to the next topic." or "The building will "block you" from seeing the sunset."

What are some alternatives to "cut you off" when interrupting someone?

If you want to convey that you are stopping someone from speaking, you could use phrases like ""interrupt you"", "stop you short", or "break in".

When is it appropriate to use "cut you off" in a conversation?

It's appropriate to use "cut you off" when you need to politely or urgently interrupt someone, when describing an obstruction, or when indicating a termination of services or relationships. Be mindful of the context to avoid causing offense.