cutaway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cutaway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to film, television, or visual arts to describe a shot that interrupts the main action to show something else, often to provide additional information or context. Example: "The director used a cutaway to reveal the character's emotional reaction during the intense scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If ever there was a Ted-ish cutaway shot, it would be to Don the sheepdog, cruising down the dual carriageway while his distracted owner tends to a lamb.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the opening poems of spin, all the leaders seemed to take great pains holding their fear/anger/boredom in check ready for the cutaway shots of them looking thoughtful while someone else said something they would have to passionately disagree with in a minute.

The Guardian - Opinion

A typical magnetron for microwave ovens, shown in the figure in cutaway view, is described below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, even in more traditional communities, where the tourist industry is often highly developed, many folk usages have all but disappeared: older women now seldom wear black dresses and scarves, and the village men no longer appear in top hat and cutaway for a funeral procession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Short, asymmetric, clingy dresses in black and white featured cutaway panels and low backs, which were offset with turtle necks.

Independent

And not just any dress: a floor-sweeping (well, it would be if she weren't wearing platform bovver boots that render her 6ft 4in) oyster silk number, with tiny straps and a cutaway back, exposing yet more of that flawless amber hide.

Independent

Figure-hugging mini dresses came in ruched silk jersey with blue and green or purple and pink patterns; many had cutaway backs and sides.

Independent

These were teamed with skinny trousers which deliberately evoked Gucci's heydays in the Seventies and the Nineties, while fitted minidresses featured cutaway panels and slashed arms rather than acres of flesh.

Independent

This contrasted with more complex ideas and a nascent sexuality, in the form of beading, corsetry detailing, visible bra-cups, cutaway and sheer panels.

Independent

The high street capsule she unveiled during London Fashion Week last month is billed as a range of pieces that Ri-Ri herself would wear, from casual jersey basics to denim cut-offs, slit skirts and a cutaway monokini.

Independent

If you remember Stephenson's Rocket, the Rainhill Trials and all that railway stuff from school days, then here is a working replica (the original is in the Science Museum) complete with a cutaway of the steam valve to explain how it all works.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, consider using "sectional view" or "exploded view" instead of "cutaway" for greater clarity, especially if the audience may not be familiar with the term.

Common error

Avoid using "cutaway" interchangeably across all contexts. While it can refer to film techniques, diagrams, and clothing, using it inappropriately can confuse readers. For instance, do not describe a surgical procedure as involving a 'cutaway'.

Linguistic Context

The word "cutaway" functions as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to a shot in film, a diagram, or a style of coat. As an adjective, it describes something with parts removed to reveal the interior, as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cutaway" is versatile, functioning as both a noun and an adjective with distinct meanings across different fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly used in news, media and encyclopedic contexts. Understanding its specific meaning – whether related to film techniques, technical diagrams, or clothing styles – is crucial for effective communication. When writing, ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaction shot

Specifically refers to a shot showing a character's reaction, similar to one film-related meaning of "cutaway".

insert shot

Indicates a shot inserted into a scene, akin to the interrupting function of a "cutaway" in film.

sectional view

Describes a view that shows the interior of something, similar to a "cutaway" diagram.

exploded view

Implies a diagram where parts are separated to show relationships, similar to a "cutaway" model.

oblique projection

Denotes a type of technical drawing, related to the visual representation aspect of a "cutaway".

tapered coat

Refers to a specific style of coat, aligning with the clothing definition of "cutaway".

reveal

Focuses on the act of exposing something, related to the function of a "cutaway" in diagrams or models.

detail shot

A shot focusing on a specific detail, related to the information-providing aspect of a "cutaway" in film.

close-up

Shows a subject in detail, similar to the detailed view provided by a "cutaway".

interruption

Highlights the disruptive nature of a "cutaway" in a film sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "cutaway" in a sentence about filmmaking?

In filmmaking, "cutaway" refers to a shot that momentarily breaks away from the main action to show something else. For example, "The director used a "cutaway" to show the audience the bomb ticking, increasing the suspense."

What does "cutaway" mean in the context of technical diagrams?

In technical diagrams, a "cutaway" is a view where part of the outer surface is removed to reveal the internal structure. It's similar to a sectional or "exploded view".

Is there a difference between a "cutaway" and a reaction shot in film?

While a reaction shot can be a type of "cutaway", not all "cutaways" are reaction shots. A "reaction shot" specifically shows a character's reaction, while a "cutaway" can show anything outside the main action.

What are some synonyms for "cutaway" in a design context?

Depending on the specific design context, alternatives to "cutaway" include "cross-section", "sectional view", or "exploded view".