Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Cut Off'

📖 Definition

To cut off means to interrupt or stop something or someone from continuing, resulting in isolation or disconnection from a resource or support.

Examples in context

The rebels cut off the enemy's supply route to weaken their defenses.
During the flood, the small village was cut off from the mainland for weeks.
She cut off the conversation abruptly, unwilling to discuss the matter further.

📖 Definition

To cut off means to interrupt or stop something or someone from continuing, resulting in isolation or disconnection from a resource or support.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb and particle, e.g., 'cut him off.'

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	cut off	They cut off the water supply due to unpaid bills.
Past Simple	cut off	The region was cut off by severe flooding last year.
Present Continuous	cutting off	The storm is cutting off communication lines as it progresses.
Present Perfect	have cut off	We have cut off ties with the unreliable supplier.

💡 When to Use

Service interruption

Use when discussing the stoppage of services or supply, often due to external factors or decision-making.

Example: "They cut off electricity due to maintenance work."

End relationships

Applied when someone decides to end communication or association with another person or group.

Example: "She cut off all contact with her former colleagues."

Traffic scenarios

Typically used to describe cutting in front of another vehicle suddenly and without warning.

Example: "The driver cut off the bus, causing a traffic jam."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of object

❌ Wrong: Cut my power off because of the storm.

✅ Correct: Cut off my power because of the storm.

💡 Tip: Place the object either before or after the phrasal verb for clarity.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: He has cutted off his hair last month.

✅ Correct: He cut off his hair last month.

💡 Tip: Use 'cut off' as the past form, same as the present.

Unnecessary object

❌ Wrong: The phone service was cut off it.

✅ Correct: The phone service was cut off.

💡 Tip: Avoid adding redundant objects to the sentence.

Practice

CUT OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The rebels cut off the enemy's supply route to weaken their defenses.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

During the flood, the small village was cut off from the mainland for weeks.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

She cut off the conversation abruptly, unwilling to discuss the matter further.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

disconnect sever

Antonyms

connect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Due to the snowstorm, the village was ____ from all road access."

connected

cut off

joined

united

"When life's challenges cut off your path, remember that persistence and creativity can carve out new roads to your dreams and goals."

In Context

During the winter of 1609-1610, known as the Starving Time, the Jamestown colonists were effectively cut off from essential supplies and aid. The Powhatan Confederacy, which had initially established trade relations with the settlers, severed ties due to ongoing conflicts and mistrust. The settlers were thereby isolated, cut off from the external support critical for their survival. As the harsh winter intensified, their condition deteriorated rapidly; their food sources were exhausted, and disease took a heavy toll on their numbers. In these dire circumstances, only a small fraction of the original colonists survived. By spring, an astonishing turnaround occurred when newly arrived ships brought much-needed supplies, effectively ending their isolation. This influx of resources saved the remaining colonists, demonstrating both the precarious nature of early colonial endeavors and the resilience required to overcome being cut off from vital support systems.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cut Off

What is the origin of cut off?

The phrasal verb 'cut off' originates from Middle English, where 'cut' means to sever or divide, and 'off' denotes separation. Over time, the verb evolved to encompass metaphorical meanings like ending communication or relationships, making it versatile in modern usage.

Can cut off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'cut off' is neutral in register and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe anything from a severed utility service in an official notice to an interrupted conversation among friends, making it flexible in its application.

What is the difference between cut off and disconnect?

While 'cut off' and 'disconnect' can be synonymous when referring to severing connections or communication, 'cut off' often implies an abrupt or forceful action, sometimes unplanned. In contrast, 'disconnect' may suggest a more deliberate or technical procedure, lacking the abruptness.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

CUT OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cut Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega