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A2At the Hairdresser

Cut Off at the Hairdresser: Present Simple Fun

Phrasal Verb: cut off |Grammar: Present Simple

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'cut off' in simple present sentences related to getting a haircut.

Article

When you visit a hairdresser, they often cut off parts of your hair. The hairdresser cuts off the ends to make your hair look neat. Sometimes, customers want the hairdresser to cut off a lot of hair, and sometimes just a little. The hairdresser always listens carefully before they cut off any hair. They cut off the hair slowly and carefully. People like to talk about how much hair the hairdresser cuts off because it changes their style. Some people say, 'Please cut off only a little.' Others say, 'Cut off more, please.' The hairdresser cuts off the hair every day and helps many people look good. So, when you get a haircut, you can ask the hairdresser how much they will cut off.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

To remove something by cutting it, especially to remove a part of something.

Grammar Note

The Present Simple tense is used to talk about routines, facts, and habits. We use the base verb with 's' or 'es' for he/she/it.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'cut off' to describe removing parts of something, like hair.
  • Use Present Simple to talk about habits or facts, e.g., 'The hairdresser cuts off hair.'
  • Remember to add 's' in Present Simple for he/she/it: 'She cuts off the ends.'

Examples

The hairdresser cuts off the damaged ends every time.

Talking about the hairdresser's routine

I cut off a little hair to keep my style tidy.

Talking about what I do regularly

She always cuts off the split ends carefully.

Describing her usual action

They cut off too much hair if you don’t explain well.

Explaining a common problem

We cut off the hair before washing it.

Describing the order of actions

Dialogue

Context: A customer talks to the hairdresser about how much hair to cut off.

A:
Hello! Can you cut off just a little from the ends, please?
B:
Sure! I always cut off carefully. How much exactly do you want?
A:
Please cut off about two centimetres. I don’t want it too short.
B:
No problem. I cut off two centimetres now.
A:
Thank you! I like it when you cut off only a little.
B:
You’re welcome! I always cut off what the customer wants.

Vocabulary

Hairdresser
A person who cuts and styles hair.
Example: The hairdresser cuts off the split ends.
Synonym: Stylist
Cut off
To remove something by cutting.
Example: Please cut off two centimetres.
Synonym: Trim
Ends
The bottom parts of hair strands.
Example: The hairdresser cuts off the damaged ends.
Synonym: Tips
Split ends
When hair ends are damaged and split.
Example: I want to cut off my split ends.
Synonym: Damaged tips
Style
The way hair is cut or arranged.
Example: She changes her style every month.
Synonym: Look
Trim
To cut a small amount of hair.
Example: I trim my hair regularly.
Synonym: Cut off a little
Customer
A person who buys a service or product.
Example: The customer asks to cut off a little hair.
Synonym: Client
Careful
Doing something with attention and caution.
Example: The hairdresser cuts off hair carefully.
Synonym: Cautious
Routine
A usual way of doing something.
Example: Cutting off hair is part of the hairdresser’s routine.
Synonym: Habit
Length
The measurement from one end to the other.
Example: She wants to keep the length of her hair.
Synonym: Size

Tips

  • Always tell the hairdresser exactly how much to cut off.
  • Use Present Simple to describe routines at the hairdresser.
  • Don’t confuse 'cut off' with 'cut'—'cut off' means removing a part completely.

Summary

In this lesson, you learn how to use 'cut off' to talk about removing hair. You practise Present Simple sentences to describe routines and actions at the hairdresser. Now you can confidently ask for and talk about haircuts using this phrasal verb.

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