is being cut

USAGE SUMMARY

"is being cut" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express present continuous passive voice. An example sentence would be: "Our summer vacation time is being cut from two weeks to one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Red tape is being cut.

The Economist

Her salary is being cut.

The New York Times

Head Start is being cut back.

The New York Times

Yet not every product is being cut.

The New York Times

"George is being cut out," she said.

The New York Times

The country is being cut to pieces".

The Guardian

£12m is being cut from immigration cases.

The Guardian

Library use is soaring as library funding is being cut.

The New Yorker

Capacity is being cut and so are jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's not really explicit why this program is being cut".

The New York Times

Labour says this budget is being cut in real terms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is being cut", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being reduced and the reason for the reduction. Providing context helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "is being cut" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing the passive voice. In some cases, an active voice construction can make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The budget is being cut by the board", consider "The board is cutting the budget".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being cut" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates that an action of cutting or reducing is currently in progress, with the subject receiving the action. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is being cut" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a present continuous passive construction. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate that something is currently undergoing a reduction or termination. While versatile, it's especially prevalent in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When using this phrase, it's helpful to consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct, and to ensure the sentence clearly conveys what's being reduced and why. Related phrases like "is being reduced" and "is being curtailed" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being reduced

Focuses on the act of diminishing something in size, amount, or degree.

is being curtailed

Emphasizes the limitation or restriction of something, often implying a sudden or premature end.

is being diminished

Stresses the lessening or weakening of something, often in terms of its importance or effectiveness.

is being slashed

Suggests a drastic and often sudden reduction, implying severity.

is being eliminated

Highlights the complete removal or termination of something.

is being decreased

Indicates a quantitative reduction, often used in numerical or statistical contexts.

is being constricted

Implies a narrowing or tightening, often referring to limitations or restrictions on freedom or movement.

is being axed

Informal way to express something is being eliminated, generally referring to budgets or projects.

is facing cuts

Shifts the focus to the anticipation or threat of reduction, rather than the action itself.

is undergoing downsizing

Specifically refers to a reduction in size or scale, often used in the context of organizations or businesses.

FAQs

How can I use "is being cut" in a sentence?

"Is being cut" indicates an ongoing action of reduction. For example, "Funding for the program is being cut due to budget constraints."

What are some alternatives to "is being cut"?

Alternatives include "is being reduced", "is being curtailed", or "is being diminished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "cut"?

It depends on the context. Passive voice ("is being cut") emphasizes the object being acted upon, while active voice emphasizes the actor. Use the construction that best suits your intended focus.

What is the difference between "is being cut" and "has been cut"?

"Is being cut" describes an action in progress, while "has been cut" indicates a completed action. For instance, "The ribbon is being cut" describes the action happening now, while "The ribbon has been cut" means the cutting is finished.