What are the definitions of “cut back on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce expenditure.
The government has decided to CUT BACK ON spending on the armed forces.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut back on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut back on is to reduce or decrease the amount of something, usually money or resources. It is often used when talking about spending less money, using fewer resources, or consuming less of something.
What are the different verb forms of “cut back on”?
| Root Verb | cut back on |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuts back on |
| Present Participle | cutting back on |
| Simple Past | cut back on |
| Past Participle | cut back on |
Example
We need to cut back on our spending this month.
Example
She cuts back on her coffee intake to sleep better at night.
Example
They are cutting back on their electricity usage to save money.
Example
Last year, he cut back on his sugar consumption for health reasons.
Example
We have cut back on our water usage during the drought.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cut back on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cut back on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She cut back on her shopping expenses.
Example
He cut back on his daily coffee intake.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cut back on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She cut back on her shopping expenses.
Example
He cut back on his daily coffee intake.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut back on”?
Decrease the amount of a particular item or resource used.
Example
To help the environment, we should all cut back on our plastic consumption.
Good things to know
Does “cut back on” have an informal or formal tone?
Cut back on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or presentations.
