has been cut back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been cut back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been reduced or decreased in size, amount, or extent. Example: "Due to budget constraints, the funding for the project has been cut back significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

One staff member said: "The security has been cut back by Securitas.

The Guardian - Arts

Legal aid had been axed, and Citizens Advice has been cut back by 75% in Manchester.

The Guardian

A good deal of hedge has been cut back, pulled out, but not all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A long-planned trip to the area has been cut back because of the government shutdown that began Tuesday.

The New York Times

Indeed, in America farm output is rising but the use of fertilisers and other inputs has been cut back.

The Economist

In that field, government funding has been cut back significantly, and budgets have been flat or declining for years.

The New Yorker

As in Russia in the early Putin years, the influence of parliament, prime minister and government has been cut back.

The Economist

The grassy Port Elizabeth pitch has been cut back and could be shorn further before the second Test begins.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Already, hours have been cut back.

The New York Times

In particular, plans for investment have been cut back.

The Economist

Parts of the program have been cut back.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been cut back", consider the specific context to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message. For instance, "scaled down" might be more appropriate in business contexts, while "axed" conveys a more drastic reduction.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "funding has been cut back". Instead, quantify the reduction: "Funding has been cut back by 20%" to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been cut back" functions as a verb phrase indicating a passive action of reduction or decrease. It's used to describe that something has undergone a process of being lessened, whether it's resources, budgets, or services. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has been cut back" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote a reduction or decrease across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it suitable for news, science, and business communication. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. To enhance clarity, quantify the extent of the reduction. Related alternatives include "has been reduced" and "has been scaled down", each offering slightly different nuances. With a very common frequency, it's a valuable phrase to understand and use effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been reduced

Direct synonym, emphasizing a decrease in quantity or size.

has been decreased

A general term for lessening or making smaller.

has been curtailed

Suggests a limitation or restriction, often in a formal context.

has been scaled down

Indicates a reduction in size or scope.

has been trimmed

Suggests a small, neat reduction, often in budgets or resources.

has been lessened

A more gentle way of saying something has been made smaller or less severe.

has been diminished

Implies a reduction in importance or effectiveness.

has been rolled back

Implies a reversal or cancellation of something previously implemented.

has been axed

A more abrupt and severe term for being cut or eliminated.

has been whittled down

Suggests a gradual reduction over time.

FAQs

What does "has been cut back" mean?

The phrase "has been cut back" means that something has been reduced in size, amount, or extent. It implies a decrease or curtailment of something, whether it's funding, resources, or services.

How can I use "has been cut back" in a sentence?

You can use "has been cut back" to describe a reduction in something. For example, "Due to budget constraints, the project's scope "has been cut back" significantly."

What can I say instead of "has been cut back"?

You can use alternatives like "has been reduced", "has been curtailed", or "has been scaled down" depending on the context.

Is "has been cut back" formal or informal?

The phrase "has been cut back" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer a more precise term like "has been decreased".