Phrasal verb
cut back on
Meanings
to reduce the amount of something you use, do, or consume
to reduce spending or expenses
to reduce work, activity, or production levels
Definition
To cut back on something means to reduce how much you use, do, or spend.
When you cut back on something, you deliberately do it less or use a smaller amount. People often cut back on expenses, time, or habits to meet a goal or because something has become too much. It suggests a reduction, not stopping completely.
Examples
- I’m trying to cut back on coffee during the week.
- You should cut back on screen time before bed.
- He decided to cut back on eating out after moving to a new city.
- We had to cut back on expenses when our rent went up.
- They cut back on overtime to keep the team from burning out.
Common mistake
Learners often say "cut down on" and "cut back on" interchangeably, but should avoid adding an extra preposition like "cut back on from."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.