In each of the questions given below a phrase is given in bold. These phrases may or may not be grammatically and contextually correct. Following each sentence four phrases are provided. Select the phrase which will make the given sentence contextually meaningful. If the phrases are grammatically and contextually correct, then choose option “no correction required” as your answer.

Due to the recent financial downturn, the family decided to cut back for expenses to save money for unexpected emergencies.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C).

Detailed Analysis

• The Error: "...to cut back for expenses to..."
• The Rule: The phrasal verb "cut back" (meaning to reduce) requires the preposition "on" when identifying what is being reduced.
• The Correction: The correct idiom is "cut back on [something]." Additionally, the second preposition needs to be "to" (infinitive of purpose) to explain why they are cutting back (to save money).
• Corrected Sentence: Due to the recent financial downturn, the family decided to cut back on expenses to save money for unexpected emergencies.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• (A) to cut back on expenses for: While "cut back on" is correct, "for save money" is grammatically incorrect. "Save" must be in the infinitive form ("to save").
• (B) to cut back by expenses to: "By" is used for the amount of reduction (e.g., "cut back by 10%"), not the category being reduced.
• (D) to cut back in expenses on: "Cut back in" is not the standard idiomatic expression for reducing spending.
• (E) No correction required: Incorrect, because "cut back for" is not the correct idiomatic usage.

Grammar Guide: Phrasal Verbs for Saving