is cut short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is cut short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is interrupted or ended prematurely. Example: "The meeting was going well until it is cut short by a fire alarm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Suddenly our conversation is cut short.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was quite cool... ...... Jamal begins – but is cut short.

Independent

But their conversation is cut short when Jessica turns up.

The New Yorker

But what if that life is cut short?

The Guardian - Arts

Hobbs's promising baseball career is cut short when he is shot by a mysterious woman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But their bliss is cut short when a complicated pregnancy leaves her childless and infertile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"The phrases are cut short.

The New York Times

His life was cut short by alcoholism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His career was cut short by tuberculosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the conversation was cut short.

The New York Times

But the trip was cut short.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is cut short", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being interrupted and the reason for the interruption to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is cut short" without specifying the cause of the interruption. For instance, instead of saying "The meeting is cut short", specify "The meeting is cut short due to a fire alarm."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is cut short" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being prematurely terminated or interrupted. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, from interrupted conversations to prematurely ended careers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is cut short" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates an unexpected or premature termination. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its frequency across various sources, especially in News & Media, underscores its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, writers should ensure clarity by specifying the cause of interruption to avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prematurely terminated

Emphasizes the unexpected and early ending of something.

is abruptly ended

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the ending.

is curtailed

Implies a reduction or limitation, often by external factors.

is brought to an early close

Suggests a formal or deliberate decision to end something sooner than expected.

is truncated

Focuses on the removal of a part, leaving it incomplete.

is broken off

Indicates a sudden and often forceful interruption.

is suspended

Suggests a temporary interruption with the possibility of resumption.

is discontinued

Implies a permanent cessation or abandonment.

is interfered with

Highlights external factors disrupting the normal course.

is disrupted

Emphasizes a disturbance that prevents continuation.

FAQs

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

You can use "is cut short" to describe an event, period, or process that ends sooner than expected. For example, "The vacation "was cut short" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is cut short"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is interrupted", "is terminated prematurely", or "is abruptly ended", depending on the specific context.

Is "is cut short" formal or informal?

"Is cut short" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "is cut short" and "is shortened"?

"Is cut short" implies a sudden or unexpected termination, while "is shortened" suggests a reduction in length or duration, not necessarily due to an interruption. For example, a speech "can be shortened" to fit a time slot, but a meeting "is cut short" by an emergency.