Numbers

Yes.

It is also correct to say "cut troops"?

New2grammarIt is also correct to say "cut troops"?

Say "cut down troops".

I have no problem with your version but my question was whether cut troops is OK.

New2grammarI have no problem with your version but my question was whether cut troops is OK.

Actually, for 'cut' to mean 'reduce', it needs to be followed by the preposition 'down'. To cut numbers (without the 'down') is still understandable but not to cut troops.

Thanks, 26.
Got it.
I think 'troop cuts' also possible.

New2, do you mean why the transitive cut needs the preposition down? I think down could be an adverb and cut down is a commonly used phrazal verb. Anyways I can't answer it properly.

Thanks for trying LiJ. I'm quite sure I've heard it from native speakers. We need another expert to confirm. I'm 100% sure I've heard cut staff.

LiveinjapanI think 'troop cuts' also possible.

Then, your sentence will have to be revised as "Britain announced last year it planned to cut troop numbers a troop cut to two thousand and five hundred but the government delayed the move."

In "troop cuts", 'troop' is used as an attributive (adjective) distinguishing 'cuts' like "power c

LiveinjapanNew2, do you mean why the transitive cut needs the preposition down? I think down could be an adverb and cut down is a commonly used phrazal verb. Anyways I can't answer it properly.

"Cut" can be used as an adjective, noun and verb (transitively and intransitively).

New2grammar I've heard cut staff.

I am inclined to believe that is used informally to mean to cut down staff strength.