[Grammar] Phrasal verb ‘cut in’ usage

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northpath

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Is the sentence ‘Don't worry - the pump cuts in automatically.’ OK?
Why not simply ‘Don't worry - the pump switches on automatically.’
 

GoesStation

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Either way is fine. Your version is more precise.
 

northpath

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The ‘cut in’ is closer to ‘start operating’, independently of the device type. Right?
If a device is electronic, then maybe other phrasal verbs would be better. For instance:
Don’t worry, that electronic device will switches/turns on automatically?
Right?
 

GoesStation

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The ‘cut in’ is closer to ‘start operating’, independently of the device type. Right?
If a device is electronic, then maybe other phrasal verbs would be better. For instance:
Don’t worry, that electronic device will switch[STRIKE]es[/STRIKE]/turn[STRIKE]s[/STRIKE] on automatically?
Right?

You're right, though I can't think of a case where "turn on" or "starts operating" would not be appropriate. In a hybrid car, the gas engine cuts in/turns on/starts automatically as needed.
 

northpath

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Thank you for a very good example. Sorry for a misprint.
 
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