cut back
يقلل
Literalmente: To slice or sever in a backward direction
Use `cut back` when you want to show you are intentionally reducing something to be more responsible.
Em 15 segundos
- Reducing the amount of something you use or do.
- Commonly used for money, food, or time management.
- Often followed by the word 'on' to specify the item.
Significado
To cut back means you are doing, using, or spending less of something than you were before. It is like putting yourself on a diet for your habits, money, or time.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Talking about health
I really need to cut back on sugar; my dentist isn't happy.
I really need to reduce my sugar intake.
Discussing finances with a partner
We should cut back on eating out until we pay off the car.
We should reduce how often we eat at restaurants.
A business meeting about expenses
The company is looking to cut back on travel expenses this quarter.
The company wants to reduce travel spending.
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained massive popularity during the 1970s energy crisis and subsequent economic shifts. It reflects a Western cultural obsession with optimization and self-improvement through restriction. In modern times, it is the 'go-to' phrase for anyone trying to live a more sustainable or 'green' lifestyle.
The 'On' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a noun (like 'sugar' or 'spending'), always add 'on'. If you stop at the verb, you don't need it.
Don't stop entirely
Remember, 'cut back' means to reduce, not to quit. If you say you're cutting back on smoking, people expect you still smoke a little.
Em 15 segundos
- Reducing the amount of something you use or do.
- Commonly used for money, food, or time management.
- Often followed by the word 'on' to specify the item.
What It Means
Imagine you are pruning a tree. You snip off the extra branches to make it manageable. That is exactly what cut back feels like in life. It is the act of reducing something because you have to or want to. You are not stopping completely. You are just shrinking the amount. It is very common when talking about money, food, or even hours at work.
How To Use It
You can use it alone or with the word on. If you want to name the thing you are reducing, say cut back on. For example, I need to cut back on coffee. If the context is already clear, just say I need to cut back. It is a phrasal verb, so it is flexible. You can use it in the past tense as cut back too. Yes, the spelling stays the same!
When To Use It
Use this when you are being responsible. Use it at a restaurant when you skip dessert to save calories. Use it in a meeting when the budget is too high. It is perfect for New Year's resolutions. It sounds proactive and disciplined. If your friend asks why you aren't out partying, tell them you are cutting back to save for a trip.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people. You do not cut back on your friends. That sounds like you are treating them like a budget item! Also, do not use it for physical size. You do not cut back a dress to make it smaller; you take it in. Avoid using it for things that stop suddenly. If you quit smoking entirely, do not say cut back. That implies you still have one or two.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, cutting back is often linked to the 'hustle' or 'minimalist' lifestyles. It became very popular during economic recessions. It is a polite way to say 'I am broke' without sounding desperate. It is also a huge part of health culture. Everyone is always cutting back on sugar or carbs. It shows you have self-control, which is a valued trait.
Common Variations
You might hear cut down on. These are almost identical. Cut back feels a bit more like a strategic retreat. Cut down feels like a direct attack on a habit. There is also budget cuts, which is the noun version used in offices. If you hear cutback as one word, it is a noun meaning 'a reduction'.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any setting. Just remember that 'cut back on' requires an object, while 'cut back' can stand alone if the topic is already known.
The 'On' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a noun (like 'sugar' or 'spending'), always add 'on'. If you stop at the verb, you don't need it.
Don't stop entirely
Remember, 'cut back' means to reduce, not to quit. If you say you're cutting back on smoking, people expect you still smoke a little.
The Polite Refusal
In English-speaking cultures, 'I'm trying to cut back' is a perfect, polite way to say 'no' to food or alcohol without offending the host.
Exemplos
6I really need to cut back on sugar; my dentist isn't happy.
I really need to reduce my sugar intake.
Used with 'on' to specify the habit.
We should cut back on eating out until we pay off the car.
We should reduce how often we eat at restaurants.
Focuses on saving money.
The company is looking to cut back on travel expenses this quarter.
The company wants to reduce travel spending.
Professional use regarding corporate budgets.
I'm trying to cut back, so I'll just have one drink tonight.
I'm trying to drink less, so I'll only have one.
Shortened version where the object is implied.
My bank account told me to cut back on existing.
My bank account says I need to spend less on everything.
Hyperbole for comedic effect.
I had to cut back my hours to spend more time with my kids.
I reduced my working hours for my family.
Emotional context regarding time and priorities.
Teste-se
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
If you want to save money, you should cut back ___ expensive coffee.
We use 'cut back on' when we mention the specific thing being reduced.
Identify the correct context for 'cut back'.
The manager decided to ___ the marketing budget.
You can 'cut back the budget' (transitive) or 'cut back on the budget'.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Cut Back'
Used with friends about habits.
Cut back on the soda, dude!
Standard daily conversation.
I'm cutting back on social media.
Business or financial reports.
We must cut back departmental spending.
When to say 'Cut Back'
Dieting
Cutting back on carbs.
Budgeting
Cutting back on shopping.
Work
Cutting back on overtime.
Environment
Cutting back on plastic use.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThey are almost the same. Cut down is often used for physical things or habits like cut down on cigarettes, while cut back is more common for abstract things like cut back on spending.
No, that sounds very strange. You wouldn't say I'm cutting back on my friends. You would say I'm spending less time with them.
As a verb, it is two words: I need to cut back. As a noun, it is one word: The company announced a cutback in staff.
Yes, but use the noun form or a more formal verb like reduced. For example, Reduced departmental costs by 20% sounds better than I cut back on costs.
Absolutely. You can cut back on your hours at work or cut back on screen time.
The most natural opposite is ramp up or increase. For example, We need to ramp up production.
No! Cut off means to stop completely or disconnect. Cut back just means to do less of something.
No, the correct preposition is always on. You cut back on something.
Yes, it is used globally in English-speaking countries including the UK, USA, and Australia.
The past tense of 'cut' is still 'cut'. So you would say, Last year, I cut back on my expenses.
Frases relacionadas
Scale back (To reduce the size or scope of a project)
Cut down on (To consume less of something)
Tighten one's belt (To spend less money than usual)
Ease off (To do something with less intensity)
Trim the fat (To remove unnecessary parts or expenses)
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