cutting back

USAGE SUMMARY

"cutting back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is reducing or limiting their activity or consumption of something. For example, "The company decided to start cutting back on expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cutting back Medicaid = cutting back Obamacare.

The Washington Post

Now firms are cutting back.

The Economist

Carmakers are also cutting back.

The Economist

Then start cutting back.

The New York Times

Individuals are cutting back.

The Guardian - Business

Reagan favors cutting back the federal bureaucracy.

The New Yorker

We're cutting back in major services.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some big food firms are cutting back.

The Economist

America's builders are cutting back hurriedly.

The Economist

Drivers have already been cutting back.

The Economist

Major U.S. universities are sharply cutting back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add nuance, specify what is being reduced; for instance, "cutting back on marketing expenses" offers more clarity than simply "cutting back".

Common error

Avoid using "cutting back" in contexts where the object of reduction is unclear. Always specify what's being reduced to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We are cutting back," clarify with "We are cutting back on travel expenses."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cutting back" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of reducing or diminishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use and understanding in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cutting back" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a reduction or decrease in something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral, it is crucial to specify what exactly is being reduced to avoid ambiguity. When aiming for formality, alternatives like "reducing" or "decreasing" may be preferable. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "cutting back" remains a reliable and effective way to convey the concept of reduction in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reducing

This alternative is a single word that directly implies a decrease or reduction in something. It's a slightly more formal alternative.

decreasing

This alternative is a more formal term for lessening or diminishing something.

trimming down

This alternative is informal and suggests a more precise or careful reduction, as if removing excess.

scaling down

This alternative implies a reduction in size or scope, often in a business or organizational context.

curtailing

This alternative suggests a restriction or reduction, often in the context of spending or freedom.

limiting

This alternative focuses on setting a boundary or maximum, rather than a reduction from a previous level.

downsizing

This alternative often refers to reducing the size of a workforce or a business.

retrenching

This alternative is often used in business contexts to describe cost-cutting measures during difficult times.

whittling down

This alternative suggests a gradual reduction, often to an essential core.

slashing

This alternative suggests a dramatic and sudden reduction.

FAQs

How can I use "cutting back" in a sentence?

You can use "cutting back" to describe reducing consumption or expenses, such as "The company is "cutting back" on travel budgets" or "I'm "cutting back" on sugary drinks".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cutting back"?

Alternatives include "reducing", "trimming down", "scaling down", or "decreasing" depending on the context.

Is "cutting back" formal or informal?

"Cutting back" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using more precise terms like "reducing" or "decreasing".

What's the difference between "cutting back" and "downsizing"?

"Cutting back" generally refers to reducing expenses or consumption, while "downsizing" typically refers to reducing the number of employees in a company. They are not interchangeable.