When you cut back on something, you use, consume or spend less of it; you do not necessarily stop entirely.

The idea

In neutral everyday English, put a noun, pronoun or -ing form after cut back on: cut back on sugar, cut back on it or cut back on driving. The expression stays together.

Examples

  • Maya cut back on takeaway meals to save for a bicycle.
  • Our office is cutting back on paper by sharing documents online.
  • If coffee keeps you awake, try cutting back on it after lunch.
  • The theatre will cut back on advertising during the renovation.
  • We have cut back on driving, but we still use the car for long trips.
  • Their family is cutting back on electricity by switching off unused lights.

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Watch out

Do not put the object between the words: cut sugar back on and cut it back on are incorrect. The reduction can be partial.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. We need to cut back ___ heating costs. (on / at)

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    on

    on connects the expression to heating costs.

  2. Choose the correct option. They cut back on ___ last month. (it / its)

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    it

    it refers to the thing they reduced; its shows possession.

  3. Choose the correct option. Yesterday I ___ back on snacks. (cut / cuts)

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    cut

    cut has the same form in the past and fits yesterday.

Use it today

Describe one thing you could cut back on and explain why.