Grammar fix

cut back on

reduce

To use or do less of something, especially to save money or improve health.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I'm trying to cut back on sugar because it's better for my health.daily life
To save money, many people have to cut back on unnecessary expenses, such as eating out or buying new clothes.IELTS speaking

Pattern: cut back on + noun/gerund

WrongWe're trying to cut back our spending on.

RightWe're trying to cut back on our spending.

Word order: 'cut back ON [something]'.

Patterncut back on + noun/gerund

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We need to decrease our expenditure on non-essential items.

Natural We need to cut back on the extras.

'Cut back on' is everyday budget talk; 'decrease expenditure on non-essential items' is an accountant's report.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Cut back on' is about reducing, not completely stopping. For stopping, use 'give up' or 'quit.'