What are the definitions of “cut in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start functioning.
The fans CUT IN when the engine starts getting too hot.
- 2Drive in front of another vehicle without warning.
A car CUT IN and nearly caused an accident.
- 3Interrupt.
We were having a conversation when he came up and CUT IN.
- 4Include someone in a deal that makes money.
We had to CUT the police IN on the deal to avoid trouble.
- 5Mix fat and flour until the combine.
CUT the butter IN with the flour.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut in is to interrupt someone or something. For example, it can mean interrupting a conversation, a line, or an activity.
What are the different verb forms of “cut in”?
| Root Verb | cut in |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuts in |
| Present Participle | cutting in |
| Simple Past | cut in |
| Past Participle | cut in |
Example
She always cuts in when I'm talking to my friends.
Example
He cuts in whenever we discuss our plans.
Example
She is cutting in on their conversation again.
Example
Yesterday, he cut in while we were discussing the project.
Example
She had cut in on their conversation several times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cut in”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“cut in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He always cuts in when we're talking.
Example
The car cut in without warning.
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 in” 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
He always cuts in when we're talking.
Example
The car cut in without warning.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut in”?
Good things to know
Does “cut in” have an informal or formal tone?
Cut in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the context.
