was cut off

USAGE SUMMARY

"was cut off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been physically disconnected or removed, or to describe someone who has been interrupted or disconnected from a conversation or communication. Here is an example sentence: "When the power went out, our phone call was cut off mid-sentence and we were unable to finish our conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then it was cut off".

The New York Times

Argentina was cut off from international credit.

The New York Times

"She was cut off / closed off".

The New Yorker

The road was cut off by landslides.

Independent

Cambodia was cut off from the world.

The New Yorker

Maybe Iran was cut off under Ahmadinejad.

The Guardian

Sadly, Helen Gardner's potential was cut off all too soon.

Columbia University

One was cut off at different levels.

The Guardian - Books

Electricity was cut off for much of Sunday in Honduras.

The New York Times

Then the communication was cut off, coast guard officials said.

The New York Times

Sibley, meanwhile, was cut off from resupply from Texas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was cut off" to describe a communication, specify what "was cut off", such as "the phone call" or "the internet connection", to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was cut off" with plural subjects. For example, instead of "communications was cut off", use "communications were cut off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cut off" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence experienced the action of being disconnected or interrupted by an external force. Ludwig provides examples where it describes disconnections of communication, electricity, or even physical parts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was cut off" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe a state of disconnection or interruption. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, wiki entries, science, and formal business communications. While its register is generally neutral, the specific context dictates the overall formality. The most frequent usage appears in the News & Media category. Consider alternatives like ""was disconnected"" or ""was interrupted"" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was disconnected

Focuses on the state of being disconnected, whether physically or communicatively.

was isolated

Emphasizes the sense of being separated from others or the outside world.

was interrupted

Highlights the action of being stopped or interfered with, often in communication.

was severed

Suggests a more forceful or complete disconnection, often physical.

was terminated

Implies a formal or official ending or disconnection.

was detached

Indicates a separation or removal from something else.

was detached from

Indicates a separation or removal from something else. It emphasizes the source from where someone or something has been separated.

was excluded

Highlights the act of being left out or prevented from accessing something.

was blocked

Implies an obstruction or barrier preventing connection or passage.

was suspended

Suggests a temporary interruption or disconnection.

FAQs

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

You can use "was cut off" to describe a physical disconnection, such as "The electricity was cut off due to the storm", or an interrupted communication, such as "The phone call was cut off before I could finish speaking".

What's a more formal alternative to "was cut off"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "was terminated", "was disconnected", or "was severed", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "was cut off" when describing communication?

Alternatives include "was interrupted", "was disconnected", or the call "dropped". depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become cut off" instead of "was cut off"?

"Become cut off" suggests a process of becoming disconnected over time, while "was cut off" indicates a completed action of disconnection. The choice depends on the context and the intended meaning.