Meaning & use
cutting in
Last updated
“cutting in” is a form of “cut in”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
phraseintransitive
Interrupting someone who is speaking, especially to say something important or to join a conversation.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'on' when you interrupt someone: 'cutting in on their conversation'.
Patterns
- cutting in on someone
- cutting in on a conversation
- keep cutting in
I'm sorry for cutting in, but we need to leave now.
He kept cutting in while she was telling her story.
She was annoyed by his constant cutting in on their discussion.
phraseintransitive
Joining a dance with a couple by taking the place of one of the dancers.
Grammar: No object; often used in the context of dancing, especially in older styles.
Patterns
- cutting in
- cutting in on someone
- ask about cutting in
He asked if cutting in was allowed at this dance.
She didn't mind him cutting in during the waltz.
Cutting in is considered rude in some formal dances.
phraseintransitive
A car moving suddenly in front of another vehicle, often too closely.
Grammar: No object; often used with 'on' or 'into': 'cutting in on the highway'.
Patterns
- cutting in
- cutting in front of someone
- cutting in on the road
The driver behind me kept cutting in, which was dangerous.
Cutting in like that can cause an accident.
He was fined for cutting in on the motorway.
Common combinations
- keep cutting in
- Please stop keeping cutting in when I'm talking.
- cutting in on someone
- She apologized for cutting in on their private conversation.
- cutting in front of
- That car is cutting in front of us.
- without cutting in
- He listened without cutting in once.
Synonyms and how they differ
- interrupting
- A more general word for breaking the flow of speech or action; 'cutting in' is more specific and often implies joining in.
- butting in
- Informal and slightly disapproving; 'cutting in' can be neutral or even polite in some contexts.
Word family
- cut in phrasal verb
- The base form; means to interrupt or join suddenly.
Commonly confused: cutting in or cutting into?
cutting in vs cutting into
'Cutting into' means making a cut in something, or reducing a supply. 'Cutting in' is about interrupting or joining.
Practice
What does 'cutting in' most likely mean in this sentence? 'He kept cutting in while she was speaking.'
Choose one answer.
Option 1 is correct because 'cutting in' means interrupting someone who is speaking. Option 0 is wrong because 'cutting in' does not mean physically cutting words. Option 2 is wrong because there is no dance context. Option 3 is wrong because there is no driving context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cutting in”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.