Phrasal verb
cut back
Meanings
to reduce the amount of something you use, spend, or consume
to reduce an activity or the time and effort spent on it
to reduce costs, staff, or production in a company or organization
Definition
To cut back means to reduce the amount of something you use, spend, or do.
To cut back is a common phrasal verb meaning to reduce the level, amount, or frequency of something. People often cut back on spending, work hours, or habits to save resources or improve balance. It can also be used for organizations that reduce budgets, staff, or production.
Examples
- I need to cut back on coffee during the week.
- You should cut back on screen time before bed.
- He decided to cut back his hours to spend more time with his family.
- She had to cut back on expenses after moving to a new apartment.
- They plan to cut back production until demand increases.
Common mistake
Learners often forget to use "on" before the thing being reduced (say "cut back on sugar," not "cut back sugar").
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.