You use "cut" as the base form of the verb, the past tense, and the past participle. You use "cuts" specifically for the third-person singular present tense (he, she, it).
The verb "to cut" means to divide something into pieces, or to mark or damage it, typically using a knife or a similar tool. Understanding which form to use depends on the subject of your sentence and the verb tense.
Understanding the Forms: Cut vs. Cuts
The difference between "cut" and "cuts" lies in verb conjugation, specifically in the present tense.
- Cut: This is the base form of the verb. It is used for the present tense with subjects like I, you, we, and they. It is also the form used for the past tense and the past participle for all subjects.
- Cuts: This form is exclusively used for the third-person singular subject (he, she, it, or singular nouns like "the chef," "the machine") in the simple present tense.
The Verb "To Cut"
The verb "cut" is irregular because its past tense and past participle forms do not end in "-ed". As noted in the reference, the form cut is used in the present tense and is the past tense and past participle.
Here's a look at the main verb forms:
| Form | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base Form (cut) | Present tense (I, you, we, they) | We cut the paper. |
| 3rd Person Singular Present (cuts) | Present tense (he, she, it, singular noun) | She cuts the cake. |
| Past Tense (cut) | Past actions (all subjects) | I cut my finger yesterday. |
| Past Participle (cut) | Used with helping verbs (have, has, had) | They have cut the ribbon. |
| Present Participle (cutting) | Used with "be" verbs (is, are, was) | He is cutting the vegetables. |
Let's explore "cut" and "cuts" in more detail with examples based on the definition that If you cut something, you use a knife or a similar tool to divide it into pieces, or to mark it or damage it.
Using "Cut"
1. Simple Present Tense (with I, You, We, They, plural nouns):
This describes actions that happen regularly or are generally true.
- I cut the bread every morning.
- You always cut the corners off the toast.
- We cut costs by reducing waste.
- They cut the tree down after the storm.
- Chefs cut vegetables very quickly.
2. Simple Past Tense (all subjects):
This describes an action that happened and finished in the past.
- He cut his hand while slicing onions. (Using a knife to damage)
- She cut her hair yesterday. (Using scissors/tool to divide/shorten)
- We cut the deal last week. (Figurative use, but still implies a division/finalization)
- They cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. (Using scissors/tool to divide)
3. Past Participle (all subjects, with helping verbs):
Used in perfect tenses (e.g., present perfect, past perfect) and passive voice.
- I have cut the grass already.
- He had never cut fabric before.
- The wire was cut by the machine. (Passive voice, implies tool use)
Using "Cuts"
Simple Present Tense (with He, She, It, singular nouns):
This describes actions that happen regularly or are generally true for a single person or thing (excluding "I" and "you").
- He cuts his steak with a sharp knife. (Using a tool to divide into pieces)
- She cuts the pattern pieces carefully.
- It cuts through metal easily. (Referring to a machine or tool)
- The gardener cuts the bushes every spring.
- This machine cuts the material precisely. (Using a tool to divide/shape)
In summary, "cuts" is simply the third-person singular form of the verb "cut" in the present tense. "Cut" covers all other present tense subjects, as well as the past tense and past participle for all subjects.
