Question

Replace the underlined part of the sentence with a suitable option, if necessary:
The names of the defaulters have been cut off the register.

• A. a cut out
• B. struck out
• C. struck off
• D. No improvement

Answer 1

The correct option is C struck off

The words, "cut off" is a phrasal verb, which means "to remove by cutting". It also means "to isolate or remove from contact". The verb "cut" is used when a knife/ any other sharp tool is used to divide something into two or more pieces. Hence, "cut off" cannot be used to indicate the names being removed from the register. A more appropriate verb is "struck off" which is the past tense of "strike off". The verb, "strike off" means "to remove or erase from a list/ record as if it is by a stroke of the pen". Hence option C is correct.

Option A: The words, "a cut out" indicates a noun in singular form. It cannot replace the words "cut off", which acts as a verb. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: The verb, "struck out" is the past tense of "strike out" which means "to hit sharply, with a hand, fist or a weapon". This option is not appropriate to denote the action of removing the names from a register.

Option D is not applicable as option C is correct.