The Past Tense of Cut: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct past tense of cut, this article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the word. Since cut is not a regular verb, it can be particularly difficult for ESL students to learn this English language concept. Thankfully, we are here to help you master American English and impress your English teacher! 

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

What Is the Definition of the Word Cut?

The English verb cut is defined as:

  • to penetrate with or as if with an edged instrument 
    • cut one’s hand with a knife
  • to hurt the feelings of 
    • Her sarcasm cut him to the quick.
  • to strike sharply with a cutting effect 
    • cut him across the legs with a whip
  • to strike (a ball) with a glancing blow that imparts a reverse spin 
    • cut a tennis ball with an inclined racket
  • to experience the growth of (a tooth) through the gum 
    • The toddler is cutting a tooth.
  • to harm (oneself) by making cuts or scratches on one’s body 
    • The reasons given for self-inflicted violence indicate that it is a way of relieving intolerable feelings. When cutting themselves, women (and sometimes men) report that they do not feel any pain. — Deborah Feller

How Do You Conjugate Cut?

Here are the other verb conjugations of the word cut including the past tense verb forms:

Base Form (Infinitive/Simple Present Tense): Cut

Simple Past Tense: Cut

Past Participle: Cut

Third Person Singular: He/she/it cuts

Second Person Singular: You cut

First Person Plural: We cut

Present Participle/Gerund: Am Cutting

Future Tense: Will cut

Past Perfect Tense: Had cut

Present Perfect Tense: Have cut

The History and Origin of the Word

The word cut is a very old word that has been used for centuries. There are many meanings of the word and the word can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. The Old English word for cut is cyttan from the North Germanic word kut  meaning to cut. In the 14th century, the word was used to mean to make or fashion by cutting or carving and to intersect or cross. In the 15th century, it was used as abridge or shorten by omitting a part. Throughout the centuries, it picked up several different meanings and is used in lots of figurative sayings such as: to cut down to size(reduce to suitable dimensions), to cut in(suddenly join in conversation, interrupt), to cut up(cut in pieces), to cut short(curtail, interrupt), to cut a feather(to move so fast as to make water foam under the bow), to cut and run(to make off suddenly), to cut teeth(have the teeth grow through the gums), to cut both ways(have a good and bad effect), to cut loose(begin to act freely), and to cut it out(cut it out! “Stop! That’s enough). 

Synonyms of Cut

  • Gash- a deep long cut in the flesh
  • Incise- to carve (something, such as an inscription) into a surface
  • Rip- to tear or split apart or open
  • Shear- to cut with something sharp
  • Slash- to lash out, cut, or thrash about with or as if with an edged blade
  • Slice- to cut with or as if with a knife
  • Slit- a long narrow cut or opening
  • Cutting- something cut or cut off or out

Example Sentences With the Word Cut

Verb

  •  He uses the ax to cut wood. 
  •  The meat is so tender you can cut it with a fork. 
  • Cut along the dotted line.
  • The saw easily cuts through metal. 
  •  She cut into the melon with a knife. 
  •  I cut myself while shaving. 
  •  I had a cut finger. 
  •  We were fighting, and he tried to cut me with his knife. 
  • Pieces of broken glass cut her face and arms. 

Noun

  • Make a few small cuts in the crust to let the air escape. 
  •  He came home covered in cuts and bruises. 
  •  Further cuts in spending are needed. 
  • You’ll have to make a few cuts in your manuscript if you want us to publish it.

Examples of the Word in Context

Summary

Next time you need to write the word cut, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut
  2. https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/cut.html
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/cut
  4. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/06/detroit-lions-sign-running-back-adrian-peterson-one-year-deal/5733850002/
  5. https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys/2020/09/05/cowboys-trim-to-53-man-roster-but-its-anything-but-final/
  6. https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-chicago-bears-53-man-roster-breakdown-20200905-xk3r5o656fgyzluq3izqhjbvhq-story.html
  7. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/basketball/wnba/fever/2020/09/04/wnba-diana-taurasis-8-3-pointers-lead-mercury-over-fever/5712844002/
  8. https://fortune.com/2020/09/04/unemployment-rate-drops-september-4-economy-outlook/
  9. https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/09/browns-waive-4-in-leadup-to-roster-cuts.html
  10. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2020/09/02/nhl-playoffs-avalanche-captain-gabriel-landeskog-cut-skate-leg/5699892002/
  11. https://ew.com/movies/the-godfather-part-3-francis-ford-coppola-edit-theaters/