Master ‘Cut out’ for IELTS Success: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “cut out” is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, making it a valuable addition to your IELTS vocabulary. Let’s explore its various definitions:

1. To remove or excise: “The editor cut out several paragraphs from the article.”
2. To stop doing something suddenly: “I’ve cut out sugar from my diet.”
3. To be suited for a particular purpose: “She’s cut out to be a teacher.”
4. To stop working or functioning: “The engine cut out mid-flight.”

Synonyms for “cut out” include eliminate, remove, discontinue, or cease, depending on the context.

2. Contextual Usage

“Cut out” can be used in both formal and informal settings. Here are some examples:

• Formal: “The company decided to cut out unnecessary expenses to improve profitability.”
• Informal: “I’m exhausted! Let’s cut out early and head home.”
• Written: “The researcher cut out all irrelevant data from the study.”
• Spoken: “I think I’ll cut out the gym today; I’m not feeling well.”

Cut out phrasal verb usage in various contexts

3. Grammatical Analysis

“Cut out” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can be placed between “cut” and “out” or after “out.” For example:

• “Cut out the unnecessary details.” (Object after the phrasal verb)
• “Cut the unnecessary details out.” (Object between the verb and particle)

When using pronouns, they must be placed between “cut” and “out”:

• “Cut it out!” (Correct)
• “Cut out it!” (Incorrect)

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

Incorporating “cut out” in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your vocabulary range. For example:

Question: “How do you manage stress in your life?”
Sample answer: “To manage stress, I’ve cut out activities that don’t bring me joy or purpose. I’ve also cut out caffeine after 3 PM, which has significantly improved my sleep quality.”

In IELTS Writing

In IELTS Writing, “cut out” can be used to express ideas concisely and effectively:

• Task 1: “The graph shows that Company X cut out 30% of its workforce between 2010 and 2015.”
• Task 2: “While some argue that social media should be cut out of children’s lives entirely, a more balanced approach might be more beneficial.”

Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously in formal writing, as it may be considered too casual in some contexts.

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Cut back on /kʌt bæk ɒn/: To reduce or decrease
   Example: “We need to cut back on our expenses this month.”

2. Cut down on /kʌt daʊn ɒn/: To reduce the amount or number of something
   Example: “The doctor advised me to cut down on fatty foods.”

3. Cut off /kʌt ɒf/: To stop suddenly or disconnect
   Example: “The phone line was cut off during our conversation.”

4. Cut in /kʌt ɪn/: To interrupt or interject
   Example: “He kept cutting in while I was trying to explain the situation.”

5. Cut up /kʌt ʌp/: To divide into smaller pieces
   Example: “Could you please cut up the vegetables for the salad?”

6. Cut through /kʌt θruː/: To penetrate or navigate quickly
   Example: “The new policy cuts through a lot of red tape.”

7. Cut across /kʌt əˈkrɒs/: To take a shorter route by crossing an area
   Example: “We can cut across the park to save time.”

Related phrasal verbs to "cut out"

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The company decided to __ __ all non-essential travel to reduce costs.
2. She’s really __ __ to be a doctor; she has the perfect temperament for it.
3. We need to __ __ junk food from our diet if we want to be healthier.
4. The power __ __ suddenly, leaving us in complete darkness.
5. Please __ __ this article and paste it into your report.
6. The coach __ __ three players from the team due to poor performance.
7. I’m trying to __ __ caffeine, but it’s proving to be quite challenging.
8. The editor __ __ several paragraphs to shorten the article.
9. If you __ __ smoking, you’ll see improvements in your health quickly.
10. The loud music __ __ abruptly, leaving an eerie silence.

Sentence Transformation

1. Original: The company eliminated unnecessary expenses.
   Rewrite: The company __ __ unnecessary expenses.

2. Original: She’s perfectly suited for leadership roles.
   Rewrite: She’s __ __ for leadership roles.

3. Original: We should remove this section from the report.
   Rewrite: We should __ this section __ of the report.

4. Original: The engine stopped working suddenly during the flight.
   Rewrite: The engine __ __ suddenly during the flight.

5. Original: I’ve decided to stop eating processed foods.
   Rewrite: I’ve decided to __ __ processed foods.

6. Original: The director removed several scenes from the final edit.
   Rewrite: The director __ __ several scenes from the final edit.

7. Original: You need to eliminate distractions while studying.
   Rewrite: You need to __ __ distractions while studying.

8. Original: The power supply was disconnected without warning.
   Rewrite: The power supply was __ __ without warning.

9. Original: She’s naturally suited for creative work.
   Rewrite: She’s __ __ for creative work.

10. Original: We should remove this outdated information from the website.
    Rewrite: We should __ this outdated information __ of the website.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. cut out
2. cut out
3. cut out
4. cut out
5. cut out
6. cut out
7. cut out
8. cut out
9. cut out
10. cut out

Sentence Transformation:

1. cut out
2. cut out
3. cut … out
4. cut out
5. cut out
6. cut out
7. cut out
8. cut out
9. cut out
10. cut … out

Explanations:

• In sentences 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, “cut out” is used as a single unit to replace verbs like eliminate, suit, stop, remove, or disconnect.
• In sentences 3 and 10, the object is placed between “cut” and “out” to demonstrate the separability of the phrasal verb.

7. Memorization Tips

To remember “cut out” and its various meanings, try these techniques:

1. Visual association: Imagine scissors cutting out a shape from paper for the “remove” meaning.
2. Action-based memory: Mime the action of cutting something out while saying the phrasal verb aloud.
3. Contextual learning: Create personal examples using “cut out” in your daily life.
4. Mnemonic device: “CUT OUT” – Can’t Use This, Omit Unnecessary Things

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using “cut out” in overly formal writing.
   Solution: In academic or highly formal contexts, opt for more formal alternatives like “eliminate” or “remove.”

2. Mistake: Incorrect word order with pronouns.
   Solution: Always place pronouns between “cut” and “out” (e.g., “cut it out,” not “cut out it”).

3. Mistake: Confusing “cut out” with “cut off.”
   Solution: Remember that “cut out” often means to remove or stop, while “cut off” typically means to disconnect or interrupt.

4. Mistake: Overusing “cut out” in IELTS Speaking.
   Solution: While it’s good to use phrasal verbs, vary your vocabulary to showcase your range.

9. Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb “cut out” can significantly enhance your English proficiency and IELTS performance. Its versatility allows you to express ideas of removal, cessation, suitability, and sudden stopping in various contexts. Remember to practice using “cut out” in different sentences and situations to internalize its usage. By incorporating this phrasal verb naturally in your IELTS Speaking and Writing tasks, you’ll demonstrate a higher level of English fluency and potentially stand out from other test-takers. Keep practicing and don’t hesitate to cut back on simpler vocabulary in favor of more sophisticated expressions like “cut out” when appropriate.