What are the definitions of “cut through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To go through or across something by cutting or making a path.
She tried to cut through the undergrowth.
- 2To get to the truth or important information by bypassing unnecessary details or distractions.
We need to cut through the political rhetoric and see what really lies behind the policy.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut through is to go through or across something by cutting or making a path. It can also mean getting to the truth or important information by bypassing unnecessary details or distractions.
What are the different verb forms of “cut through”?
| Root Verb | cut through |
| Third Person Singular Present | cuts through |
| Present Participle | cutting through |
| Simple Past | cut through |
| Past Participle | cut through |
Example
The hikers cut through the dense forest to reach the campsite.
Example
He cuts through the park on his way to work.
Example
She is cutting through the red tape to get the project approved.
Example
They cut through the crowd to get to the front row.
Example
The knife had cut through the rope, setting the boat free.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cut through”?
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 through” 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
The path cuts through the woods.
Example
She cut through the unnecessary details to get to the main point.
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 through” 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
The path cuts through the woods.
Example
She cut through the unnecessary details to get to the main point.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut through”?
Good things to know
Does “cut through” have an informal or formal tone?
Cut through 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 academic discussions.
