Is 'cut-grass' one word or two?

It can be written as two words ('cut grass') or hyphenated ('cut-grass'), especially when used attributively (before a noun, e.g., 'cut-grass smell'). The hyphenated form is more common in British English.

Can I use 'cut-grass' as a verb?

No. 'Cut-grass' is a noun or a compound adjective. The verb form is 'to cut the grass' or 'to mow the lawn'.

What is the difference between 'cut-grass' and 'grass cuttings'?

They are largely synonymous. 'Cut-grass' is a more general description of the material. 'Grass cuttings' or 'clippings' often specifically refer to the small pieces left after mowing.

Is there a specific plant called 'cutgrass'?

Yes, but it's typically written as one word (e.g., 'Leersia', a genus of grasses). This is a specific botanical name and is different from the general compound noun 'cut-grass' discussed here.

cut-grass

Medium frequency (common in gardening, landscaping, agriculture, and domestic contexts).

UK/ˌkʌt ˈɡrɑːs/US/ˌkʌt ˈɡræs/

Neutral to informal; more common in spoken and practical contexts.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

a compound noun describing grass that has been mowed or trimmed, often referring specifically to the state or product of mowing.

Can refer to the material itself (the cut grass), the result of the action (the area where grass has been cut), or in specific contexts, vernacular names for certain plants.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily functions as a noun phrase (noun + noun compound). The meaning is compositional but often treated as a conceptual unit (the result of cutting). Can appear with or without a hyphen.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling and punctuation may vary (cut grass vs. cut-grass). Slight preference for hyphenation in British English in certain noun+noun compounds.

Connotations

Similar connotations in both dialects. Associated with domestic chores, gardening, agriculture, and sports field maintenance.

Frequency

Equally frequent in both dialects in relevant contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

fresh cut-grasssmell of cut-grasspile of cut-grasscut-grass clippings

medium

mow the cut-grasscollect the cut-grasscut-grass on the lawn

weak

wet cut-grasssummer cut-grassneatly trimmed cut-grass

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Verb] + cut-grass (e.g., collect, rake, dispose of)[Adjective] + cut-grass (e.g., fresh, damp, fragrant)cut-grass + [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., cut-grass from the lawn)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

lawn trimmingshay (in agricultural contexts)

Neutral

grass clippingsmown grasstrimmed grass

Weak

greensward (archaic/poetic)sod (when referring to cut turf)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

uncut grasslong grassovergrown grasswild grass

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Don't let the cut-grass grow under your feet (variation of 'don't let the grass grow under your feet')”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare, except in landscaping, gardening, or agricultural supply industries.

Academic

Rare, except in botany, horticulture, or environmental science papers discussing lawn management.

Everyday

Very common in domestic and gardening conversations (e.g., 'I need to bag the cut-grass').

Technical

Used in agronomy, turf management, and landscaping specifications.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

Not applicable as a verb.

American English

Not applicable as a verb.

adverb

British English

Not applicable as an adverb.

American English

Not applicable as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The cut-grass smell filled the summer air.
We have a cut-grass disposal service.

American English

The cut-grass smell is so distinct.
He was allergic to cut-grass particles.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The cut-grass is green.
I see cut-grass.

Please put the cut-grass in the green bin.
The smell of cut-grass reminds me of summer.

After mowing, the cut-grass must be collected to prevent thatch buildup.
The gardener composted the fresh cut-grass with leaves.

Municipal policies often regulate the disposal of cut-grass to reduce landfill waste.
The aroma of cut-grass, caused by volatile organic compounds, is a quintessential scent of suburban weekends.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a freshly MOWED lawn. The result is CUT-GRASS - the 'cut' tells you what happened, the 'grass' tells you what was cut.

Conceptual Metaphor

PRODUCT IS RESULT OF ACTION (The grass is metaphorically transformed by the action of cutting into a new substance/state).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'резанная трава' – use 'скошенная трава' or 'стриженая трава'.
Do not confuse with 'газон' (lawn) – 'cut-grass' is the material, not the place.

Common Mistakes

Using as a verb (*'I cut-grassed the lawn' – incorrect). Use 'I cut the grass' or 'I mowed the lawn'.
Misspelling as one word (*'cutgrass') in formal writing.
Confusing 'cut-grass' (result) with 'grass cutting' (activity).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After he finished mowing, he raked up the and put it in a compost bin.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'cut-grass' MOST likely to be used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It can be written as two words ('cut grass') or hyphenated ('cut-grass'), especially when used attributively (before a noun, e.g., 'cut-grass smell'). The hyphenated form is more common in British English.
: No. 'Cut-grass' is a noun or a compound adjective. The verb form is 'to cut the grass' or 'to mow the lawn'.
: They are largely synonymous. 'Cut-grass' is a more general description of the material. 'Grass cuttings' or 'clippings' often specifically refer to the small pieces left after mowing.
: Yes, but it's typically written as one word (e.g., 'Leersia', a genus of grasses). This is a specific botanical name and is different from the general compound noun 'cut-grass' discussed here.