make the cut

USAGE SUMMARY

"make the cut" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to mean "qualify for or be chosen for inclusion in a list or group", such as "He made the cut and was accepted into the school's honors program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will it make the cut?

The New Yorker

He didn't make the cut.

The New York Times

What does make the cut?

The New York Times - Books

Did I make the cut?

The New York Times

Would Hugo Chávez make the cut?

The New Yorker

He failed to make the cut.

The New York Times - Sports

So long as they make the cut.

The New York Times

But she failed to make the cut.

The New York Times

So who will make the cut?

The New York Times

Mercifully, Hollywood did not make the cut.

The New York Times - Books

Anchovies did not make the cut.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the cut", ensure the context clearly indicates a competitive selection process or a defined set of requirements. For instance, "Only the top 10% will make the cut for the final round."

Common error

Avoid using "make the cut" in situations where simple success or achievement is implied, rather than a selection from a larger group. It's less appropriate to say "He made the cut in the project" if there wasn't a selection process; instead, say "He succeeded in the project".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make the cut" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It functions as the main verb in a sentence, indicating whether someone or something has been selected or has met a certain standard. Ludwig AI shows many examples from news and media outlets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make the cut" is a commonly used idiomatic verb phrase that signifies being selected or meeting the required standard, often in a competitive environment. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best to consider the specific audience and purpose when choosing it for formal writing. Alternatives like "qualify" or "be selected" may be more appropriate in those situations. Remember to use "make the cut" when referring to a selection process from a larger group, and avoid it when describing simple achievement. Overall, "make the cut" is a versatile phrase that, when used correctly, adds a nuanced meaning to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualify

This is a direct synonym focusing on meeting the necessary requirements.

make the grade

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing meeting a required standard of performance.

be selected

Emphasizes the act of being chosen from a larger group.

be accepted

Focuses on being admitted or approved into a group or program.

meet the requirements

Focuses on fulfilling specific criteria or standards.

succeed

Implies a general accomplishment, rather than a specific selection.

pass the test

Highlights overcoming a specific challenge or evaluation.

get through

Suggests overcoming an obstacle or barrier to advance.

come up to par

Suggests reaching an expected level or standard.

be good enough

A more straightforward expression of meeting a minimum acceptable standard.

FAQs

How can I use "make the cut" in a sentence?

You can use "make the cut" to indicate that someone has been selected from a larger group, such as "She worked hard and finally "made the cut" for the Olympic team".

What does it mean to "make the cut"?

"Make the cut" means to be selected or qualify for something, typically after a competitive process or evaluation.

What can I say instead of "make the cut"?

You can use alternatives like "qualify", "be selected", or "meet the requirements" depending on the context.

Is "make the cut" formal or informal?

"Make the cut" is generally considered an idiomatic expression suitable for both informal and neutral contexts, though it might be less appropriate in highly formal or academic writing. You can use alternatives such as "be selected" for formal contexts.