is cut off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is cut off" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something has been physically or figuratively separated from the rest of a sentence or thought. Example: "The end of the road was blocked by fallen trees, so our journey was cut off and we had to turn back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep cutting along the bones until the fillet is cut off at the tail.

WikiHow

Or when the money is cut off?

The New York Times

He is cut off at the midriff.

Independent

My left leg is cut off".

The New Yorker

Modern man is cut off from the natural conditions.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"A tongue is cut off with a pair of scissors.

Independent

The hospital, too, is cut off from the world.

The Washington Post

The figure is cut off by the skyline.

The Guardian - Arts

No one's power is cut off for non-payment.

The Guardian

The RCA reaction can be launched once the blocking sequence is cut off under DNA break.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

The tip is cut off, immersed in fixative, and sent to pathology.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is cut off", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being separated or disconnected. For example, "The town is cut off from supplies" is clearer than simply "The town is cut off."

Common error

Avoid using "is cut off" when a more precise term like "delayed" or "partially blocked" would be more accurate. "Is cut off" implies a complete severance, so ensure this is the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is cut off" functions primarily as a passive verb, indicating that something or someone is the recipient of the action of being severed or disconnected. Ludwig examples showcase diverse applications, from physical separation to figurative disconnections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is cut off" is a versatile passive construction used to denote a state of being disconnected, severed, or isolated. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal communication, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and general-knowledge sources. When using "is cut off", clarity is key; ensure the context makes clear what exactly is being severed or disconnected. Consider alternatives like ""is disconnected"" or ""is isolated"" for nuanced meaning. The best practice is to ensure the scope of disconnection is clear, and to avoid it in situations where words like "delayed" or "partially blocked" would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is disconnected

Indicates a state of being separated or detached, often referring to services or connections.

is isolated

Implies a state of being separated from others, either physically or figuratively.

is severed

Suggests a complete and forceful separation or termination.

is detached

Indicates a separation or disconnection, often in a less forceful way than 'severed'.

is terminated

Suggests a formal or official ending of something.

is interrupted

Implies a temporary or abrupt stop in a process or connection.

is blocked

Indicates that something is preventing passage or access.

is suspended

Suggests a temporary removal or cessation.

is partitioned

Implies being divided into sections or parts.

is discontinued

Indicates that something is no longer being produced or offered.

FAQs

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

You can use "is cut off" to describe physical separation (e.g., "The island is cut off from the mainland during high tide") or figurative disconnection (e.g., "His funding is cut off due to policy changes").

What are some alternatives to saying "is cut off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is disconnected", "is isolated", or "is severed".

Is it better to say "is cut off" or "has been cut off"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "is cut off" describes a current state, while "has been cut off" describes a completed action. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning and timeline.

What does it mean when someone's phone call "is cut off"?

When a phone call "is cut off", it means the connection was abruptly terminated, usually due to technical issues or poor signal strength.