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B1 noun and verb #48 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

cuts

Top 48

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces cuts en 30 secondes

Explication cuts in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cuts' is a simple action word. It is the third-person singular form of 'cut.' We use it to talk about what someone else does with a knife or scissors. For example, 'He cuts the paper.' It is also used for physical injuries, like 'He has two cuts on his hand.' At this stage, you should focus on the basic physical meaning: dividing something into pieces. Think of a kitchen or a craft room. When you see 'cuts' with an 's', it usually means one person is doing the action right now. It is a very common word that you will see in simple stories and daily life. You don't need to worry about the complex economic meanings yet. Just remember: 'I cut,' but 'He cuts.'

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'cuts' in more varied contexts. You still use it for physical actions, like 'She cuts the cake into eight pieces.' But you might also hear it in phrases like 'cuts the grass' or 'cuts hair.' You are also introduced to 'cuts' as a plural noun in simple contexts, such as 'The boy fell and has many cuts.' You might begin to see it in basic news headlines about 'price cuts,' which means things are cheaper. The key at this level is to recognize that 'cuts' can be both an action (verb) and a thing (noun). You should also be careful with the present tense 's' ending, ensuring it matches the subject of your sentence correctly.

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At the B1 level, 'cuts' becomes a much more versatile word. You are expected to understand its use in economic and social contexts. For instance, you should know that 'budget cuts' means a reduction in spending. You will also encounter phrasal verbs like 'cuts down on' (to do something less) or 'cuts off' (to stop something). You might read about a company that 'cuts jobs' during a difficult time. At this level, you should be able to use 'cuts' to describe trends and changes, not just physical actions. You also start to see it in more idiomatic ways, like 'cutting corners' (doing something poorly to save time). Your understanding should move from the literal to the more abstract and professional.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'cuts.' You can distinguish between 'cuts,' 'slashes,' and 'trims' in a financial report. You understand the cinematic use of 'cuts' in film editing and the social implications of 'cutting someone out' of a will or a conversation. You can use 'cuts' comfortably in both formal and informal registers. For example, you might use 'cuts' in a debate about government policy or in a casual conversation about a movie's pacing. You are also familiar with more complex idioms like 'the cut and thrust' of an argument. At this stage, 'cuts' is a tool for precise communication, allowing you to describe reductions and divisions with specific emotional or professional weight.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'cuts' is sophisticated and precise. You recognize its role in technical fields, such as 'cuts' in tailoring, surgery, or data analysis. You can use the word to convey subtle meanings; for example, 'the policy cuts across traditional party lines' means it affects or involves different groups. You are aware of the stylistic choices between 'cuts' and its more academic synonyms like 'excises,' 'curtails,' or 'diminishes.' You can interpret the word in complex literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically to describe a sharp wit or a painful emotional experience. Your mastery of 'cuts' allows you to understand not just what is being said, but the underlying tone and intent of the speaker or writer.

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At the C2 level, 'cuts' is a word you use with total fluency and stylistic flair. You understand its deepest etymological roots and its most obscure idiomatic uses. You can appreciate the word's economy in poetry or its power in a political manifesto. You might use 'cuts' to describe a sharp, incisive critique or the intricate 'cuts' of a diamond. You are fully aware of the socio-political baggage the word carries in discussions about 'austerity cuts.' You can play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect, perhaps using it as both a noun and a verb in the same sentence to emphasize a point. At this level, 'cuts' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile instrument for high-level expression and analysis.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

cuts en 30 secondes

Cuts is the third-person singular present form of the verb 'cut,' used to describe the action of dividing or piercing something with a sharp instrument.
As a plural noun, cuts refers to multiple physical wounds on the skin or significant reductions in amounts like budgets, prices, or staff numbers.
The word is commonly used in news headlines to describe economic changes and in creative fields like film editing to describe transitions between scenes.
It appears in many idioms and phrasal verbs, such as 'cuts down on' (reducing consumption) or 'cuts to the chase' (getting to the point).

The word cuts is a versatile and essential term in the English language, functioning both as the third-person singular present form of the verb 'to cut' and as a plural noun. In its verbal form, it describes the action of using a sharp-edged tool—like a knife, scissors, or a blade—to divide, pierce, or remove a portion of something. For example, when we say 'the chef cuts the onions,' we are describing a precise physical action. However, the utility of 'cuts' extends far beyond the kitchen. It is used to describe everything from a tailor shaping fabric to a surgeon making an incision. The word implies a decisive, often irreversible action that changes the physical state of an object by separating its parts.

Physical Action: The act of dividing an object into pieces using a sharp instrument. This is the most literal and common usage of the word in daily life.
Economic Reduction: A decrease in the amount of money spent on something, such as 'budget cuts' or 'tax cuts.' This usage is prevalent in news and business contexts.
Medical Context: Plural noun referring to openings in the skin caused by sharp objects, ranging from minor scratches to deep wounds.

In a metaphorical sense, 'cuts' is frequently used in business and politics to signify a reduction in size, quantity, or intensity. When a company announces 'job cuts,' it is not literally using a knife on employees but is reducing the number of staff members to save money. Similarly, 'interest rate cuts' refer to a lowering of the percentage charged on loans. This abstract usage is crucial for intermediate learners to master, as it appears constantly in news headlines and professional discussions. The word carries a sense of necessity and sometimes harshness, as cutting often involves removing something that was previously part of a whole.

The government recently announced significant cuts to public spending to reduce the national deficit.

Furthermore, 'cuts' has a specific meaning in the world of media and entertainment. In film editing, a 'cut' is a transition from one shot to another. When a director says 'Cut!', they are signaling the end of a take. As a noun, 'the final cut' refers to the finished version of a movie. This demonstrates how the word has been adapted into specialized vocabularies. Even in social situations, we use the word: someone who 'cuts in line' is being rude by jumping ahead of others. The breadth of 'cuts' is truly remarkable, spanning from the physical to the financial and the social.

She accidentally cuts her finger every time she tries to slice bread with that dull knife.

In summary, 'cuts' is a word that describes the act of separation or reduction. Whether it is a physical division of material, a reduction in a financial budget, or a transition in a film, the core concept remains the same: a sharp and decisive change. Understanding the context is key to determining which specific meaning is being used. For a B1 learner, recognizing the difference between the verb 'he cuts' and the noun 'the cuts' is a vital step toward fluency.

Using cuts correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical roles as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it is the third-person singular form of 'cut.' This means it is used with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns in the present tense. For example, 'He cuts the grass every Saturday.' Note that the verb does not change for plural subjects ('They cut the grass'). This distinction is a common area of confusion for English learners, but mastering the 's' ending for singular subjects is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level.

Verb Usage (Present Tense): Used for habits or general truths. Example: 'The sharp diamond cuts through glass easily.'
Noun Usage (Plural): Refers to multiple instances of reduction or multiple physical wounds. Example: 'The athlete had several cuts on his knees after the fall.'

When using 'cuts' as a noun to describe economic changes, it is often paired with specific adjectives to provide more detail. You will frequently see phrases like 'deep cuts,' 'drastic cuts,' or 'minor cuts.' These adjectives help the listener understand the severity of the reduction. For instance, 'The company made deep cuts to its marketing budget' suggests a very large and impactful reduction, whereas 'minor cuts' would imply something less significant. This ability to modify the noun 'cuts' allows for nuanced communication in professional settings.

The new laser technology cuts production time by nearly forty percent.

Another important aspect of using 'cuts' is its role in phrasal verbs, although 'cuts' itself is just the conjugated form. Consider 'cuts down on,' which means to reduce the consumption of something. 'He cuts down on sugar to improve his health.' Or 'cuts off,' which can mean to stop the supply of something or to interrupt someone. 'The storm cuts off the electricity to the entire village.' Learning these variations helps you move beyond simple literal meanings and into more natural, idiomatic English usage.

After the accident, the doctor cleaned the cuts on her arm to prevent infection.

In academic and formal writing, 'cuts' is often used to describe data or trends. A researcher might write, 'The data shows that the new policy cuts the rate of carbon emissions.' Here, 'cuts' serves as a strong, active verb that clearly communicates the effect of the policy. Using active verbs like 'cuts' instead of passive constructions (e.g., 'the rate is reduced by') makes your writing more direct and professional. Whether you are describing a physical act, an economic trend, or a scientific result, 'cuts' is a powerful tool in your vocabulary toolkit.

You will encounter the word cuts in a wide variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. One of the most common places is in the news. Headlines frequently feature the word 'cuts' because it is short, punchy, and impactful. You might see 'Government Announces Tax Cuts' or 'Retail Giant Plans Job Cuts.' In these contexts, the word is used to grab attention and convey significant changes in policy or corporate strategy. Journalists love this word because it fits perfectly into limited headline space while carrying a heavy meaning.

The Newsroom: Used to describe policy changes, budget reductions, and economic shifts. It is a staple of financial journalism.
The Kitchen: Used by chefs and home cooks to describe the preparation of ingredients. Also refers to specific 'cuts of meat.'
The Hospital: Used by medical professionals to describe injuries or surgical incisions. Patients use it to describe their wounds.

In daily conversation, you'll hear 'cuts' used in a more informal way. A friend might say, 'That movie was way too long; they should have made some cuts.' Here, they are referring to the editing process. Or, if you are driving, someone might complain that another driver 'cuts me off,' meaning they pulled in front too closely. These informal uses are deeply embedded in the English-speaking world and are essential for understanding natural, colloquial speech. Even in the gym, you might hear people talking about 'getting cuts,' which refers to developing very defined muscle lines through exercise and diet.

The director decided to make several cuts to the final scene to improve the movie's pacing.

In the workplace, 'cuts' is a word that can cause anxiety. When a manager mentions 'cost-cutting measures,' employees often worry about their jobs or their benefits. It is a word that implies efficiency but also sacrifice. In a more positive professional context, a designer might talk about how a new software 'cuts the time' it takes to complete a project, highlighting increased productivity. The word is a double-edged sword, representing both the pain of loss and the benefit of efficiency, depending entirely on what is being cut.

He always cuts across the park to save five minutes on his walk to the office.

Finally, you will hear 'cuts' in the context of fashion and tailoring. A 'well-cut suit' refers to how the fabric has been shaped to fit the body perfectly. Fashion critics might discuss the 'cuts' of a new collection, referring to the silhouettes and styles of the garments. This usage emphasizes the artistry and skill involved in the act of cutting. Whether it is the precision of a tailor, the strategy of a politician, or the speed of a commuter, 'cuts' is a word that describes the world in motion, constantly being shaped and reshaped by human action.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word cuts is confusing its singular and plural forms, especially when it is used as a verb. Because 'cut' is an irregular verb where the past tense is also 'cut,' learners sometimes forget to add the '-s' for the third-person singular present. For example, saying 'He cut the bread' when you mean he is doing it right now or does it habitually is technically incorrect; it should be 'He cuts the bread.' This 's' is small but vital for grammatical accuracy at the B1 level and beyond.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Mistake: 'The company cut jobs every year.' Correct: 'The company cuts jobs every year.' (for habitual actions).
Confusing Noun and Verb: Mistake: 'I have a cuts on my hand.' Correct: 'I have a cut on my hand' or 'I have cuts on my hand.'

Another common error involves the use of articles with the noun 'cuts.' Since 'cuts' is plural, it should not be preceded by 'a' or 'an.' A learner might say, 'The government made a cuts,' which is a grammatical clash. It must be either 'The government made a cut' (singular) or 'The government made cuts' (plural). This mistake often stems from a learner thinking of 'cuts' as a general concept rather than a countable noun. Paying attention to whether you are talking about one reduction or many is essential for clear communication.

Incorrect: She cuts the cake yesterday. Correct: She cut the cake yesterday. (Past tense is 'cut').

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the prepositional usage of 'cuts.' For instance, 'cuts in' versus 'cuts off.' If you say 'He cuts off the line,' it sounds like he is stopping the line from existing, whereas 'He cuts in line' means he is jumping ahead. These small prepositions change the meaning entirely. Similarly, 'cuts down' usually refers to trees or reducing consumption, while 'cuts up' refers to dividing something into many small pieces. Mixing these up can lead to confusing or even humorous misunderstandings in conversation.

Incorrect: There are many cuts in the budget last year. Correct: There were many cuts in the budget last year.

Lastly, there is the issue of pronunciation. While the word is spelled with a 'u,' it is pronounced with a short /ʌ/ sound, similar to 'but' or 'shut.' Some learners mistakenly use a long 'u' sound like in 'flutes' or an 'oo' sound. Pronouncing 'cuts' correctly is vital for being understood, especially in fast-paced environments like a kitchen or a hospital. By avoiding these common grammatical and phonetic pitfalls, you will be able to use 'cuts' with the confidence and precision of a native speaker.

While cuts is a very common and useful word, English offers many synonyms and alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. Depending on whether you are using 'cuts' as a verb or a noun, and whether the context is physical, economic, or social, you might choose a different term to enhance your expression. For example, in a formal business report, instead of saying 'the company cuts costs,' you might say 'the company reduces expenses' or 'curtails spending.' These alternatives sound more professional and precise.

Reduces vs. Cuts: 'Reduces' is more formal and general. 'Cuts' often implies a more sudden or significant decrease. You reduce speed, but you cut a budget.
Slices vs. Cuts: 'Slices' refers to cutting something into thin, flat pieces (like bread or ham). 'Cuts' is more general and can mean any kind of division.
Wounds vs. Cuts: 'Wounds' is a broader medical term that includes bruises and burns. 'Cuts' specifically refers to openings made by something sharp.

In the context of physical actions, 'chops,' 'dices,' and 'minces' are all more specific than 'cuts.' If you are following a recipe, 'cuts the carrots' is okay, but 'dices the carrots' tells you exactly what shape they should be. Similarly, in a creative writing context, instead of saying 'the sword cuts the shield,' you might use 'the sword cleaves the shield' or 'pierces the shield' to create a more vivid image for the reader. Choosing the right synonym allows you to paint a clearer picture with your words.

The surgeon incises the skin with extreme care, a more formal term than simply saying he 'cuts' it.

When talking about economic 'cuts,' you might also encounter terms like 'slashes' or 'axes.' These are much more aggressive than 'cuts.' 'The government slashes the education budget' implies a very large and perhaps painful reduction. 'To axe' something means to cancel it entirely. On the other hand, 'to trim' a budget means to make small, careful reductions. Understanding these nuances helps you interpret the tone of news articles and political speeches. 'Cuts' is the neutral middle ground, while 'slashes' and 'trims' represent the extremes of the spectrum.

The editor excises unnecessary paragraphs to make the article more concise and readable.

In social or metaphorical contexts, 'cuts' can be replaced by 'severs' or 'terminates.' If someone 'cuts ties' with a friend, they are ending the relationship. 'Severs' is a more dramatic and formal way to say the same thing. If a company 'cuts a contract,' they are 'terminating' it. By learning these alternatives, you not only improve your understanding of English but also gain the ability to express yourself with greater precision and emotional resonance. 'Cuts' is a great starting point, but the world of English vocabulary offers so much more to explore.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'cut' is one of the few English verbs where the present, past, and past participle forms are all identical ('cut').

Guide de prononciation

UK /kʌts/

US /kʌts/

The stress is on the single syllable.

Rime avec

butts guts huts nuts shuts struts whats puts (partial)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it with a long 'u' sound like 'koots'.
Dropping the 's' when it is needed for the third-person singular.
Confusing the 'ts' sound with a 'z' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 't' so it sounds like 'cut-es'.
Using an 'o' sound like in 'cots'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts, though economic contexts require more focus.

Écriture 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement and plural noun usage.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but idiomatic use takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Clear sound, but must distinguish between noun and verb by context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

cut knife paper money less

Apprends ensuite

reduction incision curtail slash edit

Avancé

retrenchment excise laceration silhouette intersect

Grammaire à connaître

Third-person singular present

He cuts (not 'He cut' for present habits).

Irregular verb forms

Present: cut/cuts, Past: cut, Past Participle: cut.

Plural nouns

One cut, two cuts.

Phrasal verbs

Cuts down on, cuts off, cuts out.

Noun-Adjective agreement

Deep cuts (adjective before noun).

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Exemples par niveau

He cuts the red apple.

Il coupe la pomme rouge.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'cut'.

She cuts the paper with scissors.

Elle coupe le papier avec des ciseaux.

Verb 'cuts' shows a present action.

The man cuts the bread.

L'homme coupe le pain.

Singular subject 'The man' takes 'cuts'.

He has two small cuts on his arm.

Il a deux petites coupures au bras.

'Cuts' is a plural noun here.

The chef cuts the meat.

Le chef coupe la viande.

Present tense for a professional habit.

My dad cuts the grass on Sunday.

Mon père tond l'herbe le dimanche.

'Cuts the grass' is a common phrase.

She cuts the cake for the party.

Elle coupe le gâteau pour la fête.

Action verb in the present simple.

The cat has cuts on its ear.

Le chat a des coupures à l'oreille.

Plural noun referring to injuries.

The store cuts the prices of toys.

Le magasin réduit les prix des jouets.

'Cuts' means 'reduces' in this context.

He cuts hair at the local shop.

Il coupe les cheveux au magasin local.

Describes a job or regular activity.

She cuts down on sweets to be healthy.

Elle réduit les sucreries pour être en bonne santé.

Phrasal verb 'cuts down on' means 'reduces'.

The gardener cuts the bushes every month.

Le jardinier taille les buissons chaque mois.

Present simple for a regular schedule.

There are many cuts in the new movie.

Il y a beaucoup de coupures dans le nouveau film.

'Cuts' refers to film editing.

The knife cuts through the rope easily.

Le couteau coupe la corde facilement.

Describes the ability or quality of the knife.

He cuts in line at the bus stop.

Il double dans la file d'attente à l'arrêt de bus.

'Cuts in' means to jump ahead of others.

The company cuts the power at night.

L'entreprise coupe le courant la nuit.

'Cuts' means 'stops the supply of'.

The government cuts the budget for schools.

Le gouvernement réduit le budget des écoles.

Economic usage of 'cuts' as a verb.

She cuts off the conversation very quickly.

Elle interrompt la conversation très rapidement.

Phrasal verb 'cuts off' means 'ends abruptly'.

The road cuts through the middle of the forest.

La route traverse le milieu de la forêt.

Describes a path or geographical feature.

He cuts a deal with the new supplier.

Il conclut un accord avec le nouveau fournisseur.

Idiomatic: 'cuts a deal' means to make an agreement.

The doctor says the cuts will heal in a week.

Le médecin dit que les coupures guériront dans une semaine.

Plural noun in a medical context.

This software cuts the time needed for design.

Ce logiciel réduit le temps nécessaire à la conception.

Used to describe efficiency and reduction.

He often cuts class to go to the beach.

Il sèche souvent les cours pour aller à la plage.

Informal: 'cuts class' means to skip school.

The new law cuts the tax for small businesses.

La nouvelle loi réduit l'impôt pour les petites entreprises.

Formal economic usage.

The company implements deep cuts to stay afloat.

L'entreprise met en œuvre des coupes sombres pour rester à flot.

'Deep cuts' implies severe reductions.

His behavior cuts across the values of the team.

Son comportement va à l'encontre des valeurs de l'équipe.

'Cuts across' means to conflict with or affect.

The editor cuts the scene to improve the rhythm.

Le monteur coupe la scène pour améliorer le rythme.

Technical usage in media production.

She cuts a striking figure in her new dress.

Elle a une allure remarquable dans sa nouvelle robe.

Idiomatic: 'cuts a figure' means to have a certain appearance.

The cold wind cuts right through my jacket.

Le vent froid traverse ma veste.

Metaphorical: describes the intensity of the cold.

He cuts to the chase and asks for the price.

Il va droit au but et demande le prix.

Idiom: 'cut to the chase' means to get to the point.

The interest rate cuts were larger than expected.

Les baisses de taux d'intérêt ont été plus importantes que prévu.

Noun usage in a financial context.

She cuts ties with her old company after the scandal.

Elle rompt les liens avec son ancienne entreprise après le scandale.

Idiomatic: 'cuts ties' means to end a relationship.

The author cuts out the superfluous adjectives.

L'auteur supprime les adjectifs superflus.

Refers to refining and improving writing.

The new policy cuts into the profits of big banks.

La nouvelle politique entame les bénéfices des grandes banques.

'Cuts into' means to reduce something valuable.

His sharp wit cuts through the tension in the room.

Son esprit vif dissipe la tension dans la pièce.

Metaphorical: describes a mental or social effect.

The surgeon cuts with microscopic precision.

Le chirurgien coupe avec une précision microscopique.

Technical usage emphasizing skill.

The documentary cuts between past and present.

Le documentaire alterne entre le passé et le présent.

Describes a narrative structure in media.

She cuts a lonely path through the academic world.

Elle trace un chemin solitaire dans le monde académique.

Literary usage: 'cuts a path' means to create a way.

The budget cuts have decimated the arts program.

Les coupes budgétaires ont décimé le programme artistique.

Strong verb 'decimated' paired with 'cuts'.

He cuts a deal that benefits both parties equally.

Il conclut un accord qui profite également aux deux parties.

Nuanced business usage.

The diamond's brilliance depends on how it is cuts.

L'éclat du diamant dépend de la façon dont il est taillé.

Note: In this specific passive-like sense, 'cut' is usually used, but 'cuts' can appear in descriptions of styles.

The austerity cuts provoked widespread civil unrest.

Les coupes d'austérité ont provoqué des troubles civils généralisés.

Political term 'austerity cuts'.

His analysis cuts to the very core of the problem.

Son analyse va au cœur même du problème.

Metaphorical: reaching the most important part.

The river cuts a deep gorge through the limestone.

La rivière creuse une gorge profonde dans le calcaire.

Geological usage: 'cuts' as an evolutionary action.

She cuts a dash in her vintage military jacket.

Elle a fière allure dans sa veste militaire vintage.

Old-fashioned idiom: 'cuts a dash' means to look stylish.

The legislation cuts across various jurisdictional boundaries.

La législation dépasse diverses limites juridictionnelles.

Formal legal/political usage.

The editor's cuts were both ruthless and necessary.

Les coupures du rédacteur étaient à la fois impitoyables et nécessaires.

Noun usage emphasizing the quality of the action.

He cuts a pathetic figure after losing the election.

Il fait peine à voir après avoir perdu l'élection.

Descriptive idiom for emotional state.

Collocations courantes

budget cuts

job cuts

tax cuts

price cuts

deep cuts

power cuts

cuts hair

cuts corners

cuts across

interest rate cuts

Phrases Courantes

cuts both ways

— Something that has both good and bad effects.

His honesty cuts both ways; it's refreshing but can be hurtful.

cuts a deal

— To reach a business or legal agreement.

The lawyer cuts a deal to avoid a long trial.

cuts in line

— To jump ahead of others who are waiting.

Nobody likes it when someone cuts in line at the cinema.

cuts class

— To intentionally miss a school lesson.

If he cuts class again, he will fail the course.

cuts to the heart

— To affect someone's emotions deeply.

Her sad story really cuts to the heart of the matter.

cuts the mustard

— To be good enough or to succeed.

His performance just doesn't cut the mustard for this team.

cuts a figure

— To present a specific appearance.

He cuts a fine figure in his new tuxedo.

cuts ties

— To end a relationship or connection.

She cuts ties with her former business partners.

cuts loose

— To behave in a free or wild way.

On weekends, he finally cuts loose and has fun.

cuts short

— To end something earlier than expected.

The rain cuts our picnic short.

Souvent confondu avec

cuts vs cats

Similar sound but completely different meaning (animals vs. actions/reductions).

cuts vs costs

Often used together (cuts costs), but 'costs' are the prices themselves.

cuts vs cuts (verb) vs. cut (past)

Remember 'cuts' is only for present tense third-person singular.

Expressions idiomatiques

"cut corners"

— To do something in the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality.

The builder cut corners, and now the roof is leaking.

Informal

"cut to the chase"

— To stop wasting time and get to the most important part.

Let's cut to the chase: how much will this cost?

Informal

"cut someone some slack"

— To give someone additional freedom or be less critical of them.

He's new to the job, so cut him some slack.

Informal

"cut the rug"

— To dance, especially in a vigorous or skillful way.

They really cut the rug at the wedding last night.

Old-fashioned/Informal

"cut a long story short"

— Used when you are skipping details to get to the end of a story.

To cut a long story short, we ended up staying in a tent.

Neutral

"cut it out"

— A command used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying.

Cut it out! I'm trying to study.

Informal

"cut from the same cloth"

— To be very similar in character or nature.

The two brothers are cut from the same cloth.

Neutral

"cut to the bone"

— To reduce something to the absolute minimum.

The department's budget has been cut to the bone.

Neutral

"cut your losses"

— To stop doing something that is failing before it gets worse.

The project is a disaster; it's time to cut our losses.

Neutral

"cut a dash"

— To make a stylish or impressive appearance.

She certainly cut a dash in her red silk dress.

British/Informal

Facile à confondre

cuts vs Slashes

Both mean to reduce.

Slashes is much more extreme and informal than cuts.

The store slashes prices during the black Friday sale.

cuts vs Trims

Both involve removing parts.

Trims implies making small, neat adjustments, while cuts is more general.

He trims the edges of the photo.

cuts vs Slices

Both involve a knife.

Slices specifically means thin, flat pieces; cuts can be any shape.

She slices the tomato for the salad.

cuts vs Chops

Both involve dividing things.

Chops implies a forceful, downward motion; cuts is a smoother action.

He chops the wood for the fire.

cuts vs Incises

Both mean to make an opening.

Incises is a technical medical or artistic term; cuts is everyday language.

The artist incises a pattern into the clay.

Structures de phrases

Subject + cuts + Object.

He cuts the cake.

Subject + cuts + [Object] + with + [Tool].

She cuts the paper with scissors.

Subject + cuts + down on + [Noun].

He cuts down on coffee.

There are + [Adjective] + cuts + in + [Area].

There are major cuts in the budget.

Subject + cuts + a + [Adjective] + figure.

She cuts a lonely figure.

Subject + cuts + to the + [Noun].

Let's cut to the chase.

The [Noun] + cuts + across + [Noun].

The issue cuts across social classes.

Subject + cuts + [Object] + to the bone.

The company cuts costs to the bone.

Famille de mots

Noms

cut

cutter

cutting

cutback

cutout

Verbes

cut

undercut

cutback

Adjectifs

cutting

cut

uncut

Apparenté

scissors

knife

blade

reduction

incision

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

He cut the bread every day. → He cuts the bread every day.
For habitual actions in the present, you must use the 's' for third-person singular.
The government made a cuts. → The government made cuts.
You cannot use the singular article 'a' with the plural noun 'cuts'.
She cuts off the sugar. → She cuts down on sugar.
'Cuts off' means to stop completely or interrupt; 'cuts down on' means to reduce.
The knife is very cuts. → The knife is very sharp.
'Cuts' is not an adjective. Use 'sharp' to describe the tool.
I have many cut on my hand. → I have many cuts on my hand.
When referring to multiple wounds, the noun must be plural.

Astuces

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always use 'cuts' with he, she, it, or a singular noun. Use 'cut' for I, you, we, and they.

Economic Context

In news, 'cuts' almost always refers to money or jobs. Look for adjectives like 'deep' or 'drastic'.

Idiom Usage

Use 'cut to the chase' to sound more like a native speaker in business meetings.

Short Vowel

The 'u' in 'cuts' is short, like in 'up'. Don't make it sound like 'oo'.

Active Voice

Use 'cuts' as an active verb to make your sentences stronger and more direct.

Context Clues

Check if there is an article (a/the) before 'cuts' to see if it's a noun or a verb.

Politeness

Avoid 'cutting in line' in English-speaking countries; it is seen as very disrespectful.

Describing Wounds

Use 'cuts' specifically for injuries caused by sharp objects like glass or knives.

Film Editing

Remember that 'cuts' are the building blocks of movie storytelling.

Word Family

Learn related words like 'cutback' (noun) to expand your economic vocabulary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

C-U-T-S: Sharp tools (C)ut (U)ntil (T)hings (S)eparate.

Association visuelle

Imagine a pair of scissors (forming the letter 'X' or 'C') cutting through a dollar sign ($) to remember budget cuts.

Word Web

Knife Budget Scissors Reduction Wound Editing Shorten Divide

Défi

Write three sentences using 'cuts' as a verb, a medical noun, and an economic noun.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English word 'cutten,' which appeared around the 13th century. It replaced the Old English word 'ceorfan' (to carve).

Sens originel : To make an incision or to divide with a sharp edge.

Germanic origin, though its exact roots before Middle English are somewhat obscure.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'job cuts' as it is a sensitive topic for those affected by unemployment.

Queuing culture makes 'cutting in line' a very offensive social act.

The movie 'Final Cut' The song 'The First Cut is the Deepest' The phrase 'Director's Cut'

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

In the Kitchen

cuts the meat
cuts the bread
cuts into slices
cuts the heat

In Business

budget cuts
job cuts
cuts costs
cuts a deal

In Medicine

minor cuts
deep cuts
cuts and bruises
surgical cuts

In Media

film cuts
director's cut
cuts the scene
final cut

In Social Life

cuts in line
cuts class
cuts ties
cuts someone off

Amorces de conversation

"Have you heard about the new budget cuts at the university?"

"Do you think the director made too many cuts to the original movie?"

"Who cuts your hair? They did a great job!"

"How do you feel when someone cuts in line in front of you?"

"What are some ways you cuts down on your monthly expenses?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you had to make difficult cuts in your personal budget.

Write about a movie where you think the cuts between scenes were very effective.

Reflect on a situation where you decided to cuts ties with a negative influence.

Describe the process of how a chef cuts ingredients for a complex dish.

Discuss the impact of job cuts on a local community and how people cope.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It can be both. As a verb, it is the third-person singular present form of 'cut' (e.g., 'He cuts'). As a noun, it is the plural form of 'cut' (e.g., 'He has many cuts').

It refers to a reduction in the amount of money allocated for a specific purpose, such as education or healthcare.

No, 'cuts' is plural. You should say 'I have a cut' (singular) or 'I have some cuts' (plural).

The past tense of the verb 'cut' is 'cut.' The word 'cuts' is only used in the present tense for singular subjects.

It means to jump ahead of people who are already waiting in a queue, which is considered rude.

It means to reduce the frequency or amount of something. For example, 'He cuts down on smoking to improve his health.'

It is a polite way of saying that a company is firing or laying off employees to save money.

Yes, a 'cut' is a transition between two shots. 'Cuts' refers to the editing choices made in a film.

Not necessarily. 'Price cuts' and 'tax cuts' are usually seen as positive by consumers and taxpayers.

It means someone looks very impressive or noticeable because of their appearance or clothing.

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