Meaning trap
cut in
interrupt someone who is speaking
To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.
Another meaning of 'cut in' is 'suddenly drive in front of another vehicle'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Please don't cut in while I'm explaining the instructions.communication
- During group discussions, it's important not to cut in when someone else is sharing their opinion.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: cut in (on someone/something)
WrongHe always cuts in me when I'm talking.
RightHe always cuts in when I'm talking. / He always cuts me off.
'Cut in' is intransitive ('cut in while/when'); to interrupt a person, use 'cut someone off'.
Patterncut in (on someone/something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Cut in' is the natural spoken way to flag an interruption; the apology is over-formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cut in (+ on)on the conversationto addsuddenlyrudely
Don't confuse it
'Cut in' focuses on interrupting by speaking. 'Cut off' can mean to stop someone from speaking, but also has other meanings.
Related
- cut in (suddenly drive in front of another vehicle) — Another meaning of 'cut in' is 'suddenly drive in front of another vehicle'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.