Quick Definition
Cut Off — To separate by cutting; to stop a supply; to interrupt someone speaking; to isolate.
Meanings of Cut Off
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Stop a supply | The electricity was cut off because the bill wasn't paid. | The supply was disconnected. |
| Interrupt/isolate | The village was cut off by flooding. | The village was isolated. |
| Interrupt speech | She was cut off mid-sentence. | She was interrupted before finishing. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| The electricity was cut off because the bill wasn't paid. | The supply was disconnected. |
| The village was cut off by flooding. | The village was isolated. |
| She was cut off mid-sentence. | She was interrupted before finishing. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll cut off it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: cut the power off or cut off the power. Pronoun always before the particle: cut it off.
How to Use Cut Off
Neutral. The supply/utility sense is common in everyday language; the isolation sense appears in news reporting.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | The electricity was cut off because the bill wasn't paid. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Cut Off
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Cut Off
What does "Cut Off" mean?
"Cut Off" means: To separate by cutting; to stop a supply; to interrupt someone speaking; to isolate. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B2.
Is "Cut Off" separable or inseparable?
"Cut Off" is separable. Transitive and separable: cut the power off or cut off the power. Pronoun always before the particle: cut it off.
How do I use "Cut Off" in a sentence?
The electricity was cut off because the bill wasn't paid. -- in this example, 'Cut Off' means the supply was disconnected.
What is the register of "Cut Off"?
Neutral. The supply/utility sense is common in everyday language; the isolation sense appears in news reporting.
What CEFR level is "Cut Off"?
"Cut Off" is typically taught at CEFR B2 — Upper Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Cut Off" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Cut Off" specifically means: To separate by cutting; to stop a supply; to interrupt someone speaking; to isolate. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Cut Off" be used formally?
Neutral. The supply/utility sense is common in everyday language; the isolation sense appears in news reporting. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Cut Off" take an object?
"Cut Off" is transitive. Transitive and separable: cut the power off or cut off the power. Pronoun always before the particle: cut it off.
How can I practise "Cut Off"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Cut Off' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Cut Off" used in British or American English?
"Cut Off" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. The supply/utility sense is common in everyday language; the isolation sense appears in news reporting.