Differences between cut out and knock out
Cut out means to remove something by cutting or to stop doing something, while knock out means to make someone unconscious or to defeat someone in a competition.
Meanings and Definitions: cut out vs knock out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cut out
- 1Exclude.
I'm CUTTING OUT salt from my diet.
- 2When an engine or motor stops.
The car CUT OUT at the traffic lights just as they went green.
- 3Cut a picture or similar from a magazine, etc.
ICUT some pictures OUT to use as visual aids.
- 4Leave quickly.
We'd better CUT OUT, the security men are on the way.
- 5Separate livestock from a group.
They CUT OUT three prime bulls from the herd.
Knock out
- 1Hit and make somebody unconscious.
The reigning middleweight champion KNOCKED OUT the challenger in the fourth round of the fight.
- 2Sell, distribute.
They're KNOCKING hundreds OUT a day in the sales.
Usage Examples: cut out, knock out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cut out
Example
I need to cut out junk food from my diet.
Example
She cuts out sugar from her coffee.
knock out
Example
The boxer tried to knock out his opponent in the first round.
Example
He knocks out the competition with his powerful punches.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut out
To remove or get rid of something completely.
Example
We need to eliminate unnecessary expenses to save money for our trip.
give up
To stop doing something that one has been doing regularly.
Example
She decided to give up smoking for the sake of her health.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Knock out
To win a victory over someone in a competition or battle.
Example
The team was able to defeat their opponents in the final match and win the championship.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “knock”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
- smoke out
- pit out
- cancel out
- peel out
- zonk out
Differences in cut out vs knock out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut out or knock out?
In daily conversation, people use cut out more often than knock out. This is because cut out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as cutting paper or stopping a bad habit. Knock out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about boxing or other sports. So, while both phrases are used, cut out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut out and knock out
Cut out and knock out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cut out and knock out
The tone of cut out and knock out can differ based on context. Cut out often carries a practical or annoyed tone when related to stopping something or someone, while knock out typically has a competitive or aggressive tone, especially when referring to defeating an opponent.
