Differences between cut off and take off
Cut off means to remove something by cutting it, or to stop the supply of something. On the other hand, take off means to remove something from your body or a surface, or to leave the ground and begin to fly.
Meanings and Definitions: cut off vs take off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cut off
- 1Disconnect.
The telephone's been CUT OFF because we didn't pay the bill.
- 2Isolate or make inaccessible.
The heavy snow has blocked many roads and CUT OFF a number of villages.
Take off
- 1Make great progress.
The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the latest version of their DTP package.
- 2Reduce the price of an item.
They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.
- 3When a plane departs or leaves the ground.
The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.
- 4Remove.
It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.
Usage Examples: cut off, take off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cut off
Example
I accidentally cut off the power while rearranging the furniture.
Example
He frequently cuts off the water supply to save resources.
take off
Example
The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 pm.
Example
The airplane takes off in 30 minutes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cut off
To separate or break the connection between two things or people.
Example
I accidentally disconnected the phone line while moving the furniture.
To stop or bring something to an abrupt end.
Example
The company had to halt production due to the shortage of raw materials.
To cut or break something apart completely.
Example
The surgeon had to sever the damaged nerve to prevent further damage to the patient's arm.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take off
To take something away from a surface or a person's body.
Example
She removed her shoes before entering the house to avoid dirtying the carpet.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cut”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
- see off
- fend off
- pass off
- tootle off
- blast off
Differences in cut off vs take off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cut off or take off?
In daily conversation, people use take off more often than cut off. This is because take off is used for more common activities such as removing clothes or leaving a place. Cut off is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about stopping something abruptly or disconnecting something.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cut off and take off
Cut off and take off 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 off and take off
The tone of cut off and take off can differ based on context. Cut off often carries a negative or abrupt tone when related to stopping something or someone, while take off typically has a positive and exciting tone, especially when referring to flying or starting a journey.
