1.
Listen to the basic explanation
In addition to meaning 'to cut', 'cut' also means 'to reduce'.
If you cut a long string, its length will decrease, right? It's easy to remember if you think of it this way.
Usually, the word 'back' is added to the end to clearly mean 'reduce'.
Cut back on is used when specifying the target to be reduced, and when the target is clear in the context, cut back alone is sufficient.
This expression is especially often used when talking about New Year's resolutions.
For example, when you decide to cut back on junk food in the new year, you might say, “I'm trying to cut back on eating junk food.”
Please note that cut back is different from give up, which is quitting completely.
For example, you can think of it as the difference between cutting down on cigarettes and quitting smoking.
--- From the text


2.
See from a native speaker's perspective
When we “cut back” on something, we reduce how often we do that thing.
We spend less, do less, or use something less.
We usually cut back on things that are not good for us.
We can also “cut back” plants or trees when they’re getting too big.
When we cut off branches or make a plant smaller, then we are cutting it back.

To cut back on something means to reduce the frequency with which you do it.
It means consuming less, doing less, or using less of something.
We usually use cut back when we want to reduce things that are not good for us.
Additionally, you can cut back plants or trees when they grow too large.
If you cut a branch or make the plant smaller, you are cutting it back.
--- From the text

3.
Start with a short sentence
I need to cut back on how often I order food.
We need to reduce the number of times we order delivery food.
I think those plants in front of the bank need to be cut back.
I think the plants in front of the bank need to be reduced a bit.
--- From the text

4.
Repeat in conversation
A: I've been drinking way too much coffee these days.

B How much coffee are you having per day?
A: I usually have 4 or 5 cups a day.
If I don't drink coffee, I get ahead.
B It would probably be a good idea to cut back.

A: I've been drinking too much coffee lately.
B: How many cups do you drink a day?
A: I usually drink about 4 to 5 cups a day.
If I don't drink coffee, I get a headache.
B: I think it would be better to cut back a bit.
--- From the text

5.
Repeated practice in short texts
I decided to cut back on watching Netflix.
I was spending hours watching TV shows and movies every day.
I realize now that I've just been wasting my time.
I decided to cut down on watching Netflix.
I was watching TV shows and movies for hours every day.
Now I realize I'm wasting my time
--- From the text

6.
Learn with short quizzes
Q Imagine you like to drink.
You used to only drink with your friends, but now you drink when you're home alone.
You are worried that you are drinking too much.
What should you do?

Q Imagine you like alcohol.
I used to only drink with friends, but now I drink it even when I'm home alone.
You are worried that you are drinking too much.
What should I do?

A I need to cut down on drinking.

Meal Prep for the Week
A week's worth of meal prep
I decided to cut down on carbohydrates and sugar.
For this, I will start cooking at home.
Make a grocery list full of healthy foods at home.
Sometimes you have to delete items when you make a mistake.
Then go to the store.
I try to buy foods that pair well with other healthy foods.
As I got better at cooking, this also became easier.
--- From the text

7.
Complete the verb by filling it in
I've decided to ____ back on carbs and sugars.
In order to do that, I'm going to start cooking my meals at home.
I make a grocery list at home filled with healthy food.
Sometimes I have to ____ out items when I make a mistake.
Then, I head to the store.
I try to buy food that ____ with other healthy food.
As I've gotten better at cooking, it's gotten easier to do.
--- From the text

8.
Complete the sentence by filling in the adverb/preposition
I've decided to cut ____ on carbs and sugars.
In order to do that, I'm going to start cooking my meals at home.
I make a grocery list at home filled with healthy food.
Sometimes I have to cross ____ items when I make a mistake.
Then, I head to the store.
I try to buy food that goes ____ other healthy food.
As I've gotten better at cooking, it's gotten easier to do.

--- From the text