able to switch off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to switch off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability to turn off their thoughts, emotions, or distractions, often in the context of relaxation or focus. Example: "After a long day at work, I find it hard to be able to switch off and enjoy my evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Rarely able to switch off completely.

The Guardian

Are you able to switch off from work?

The Guardian - Film

It's so good to be able to switch off like this, and simply relax.

The Guardian

And you've got a baby coming soon so you won't be able to switch off, ever again I have indeed!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've set up my life to be a workaholic but that means being able to switch off too.

The Guardian - Music

I haven't been able to switch off completely from cycling, but that's part of being a professional athlete.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

This goal can not be reached overnight since nobody is able or willing to switch off traditional systems.

International Congress Series

While it is tremendously exciting to think that researchers might be able one day to switch off genes that predispose people to breast cancer, say, or Alzheimer's disease, gene editing raises all sorts of other troubling questions.

Los Angeles Times

If there are two guitars, try both starting out playing a variation of the chosen chord sequence, and be able to hear each other to switch off improving later on.

WikiHow

"We all have low moods, we all have bad things happen to us, but we don't dwell on them, we are able to switch them off.

The Guardian

If we introduce a "new" system to send the black box position to ground receiving stations via satellite, says Cenciotti, "it should be designed in such a way that pilots wouldn't be able to switch it off".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing work-life balance, use "able to switch off" to emphasize the importance of mental separation from professional responsibilities during personal time.

Common error

While "able to switch off" is widely understood, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be expected. Consider alternatives like "capable of disconnecting" or "proficient at disengaging" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to switch off" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the subject's capacity or ability to disengage or relax. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to switch off" is a very common and grammatically correct expression that describes the capacity to mentally or emotionally disengage from stress, work, or other demanding activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific articles. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "capable of disconnecting" in highly academic settings. Best practices involve using "able to switch off" to emphasize the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being, while avoiding overuse in formal contexts. Related phrases include "capable of relaxing" and "able to unwind", offering similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of relaxing

Focuses on the capacity to achieve a state of relaxation.

capable of disconnecting

Emphasizes the ability to detach from external stimuli or concerns.

able to unwind

Highlights the process of reducing tension and calming down.

able to detach

Stresses the ability to separate oneself emotionally or mentally from a situation.

able to mentally disconnect

Specifically refers to ceasing mental engagement.

able to shut off

Uses a more informal expression for ceasing activity or thought.

able to power down

Employs technological terminology to describe ceasing activity.

adept at relaxing

Highlights skillfulness in achieving relaxation.

proficient at disconnecting

Emphasizes expertise in detaching from distractions or worries.

skilled at unwinding

Highlights specific skill in reducing tension and calming down.

FAQs

How can I use "able to switch off" in a sentence?

You can use "able to switch off" to describe someone's capacity to relax or disconnect from work or other stressors. For example: "It's important to be "able to switch off" after a long day."

What does it mean to be "able to switch off"?

Being "able to switch off" refers to the capacity to mentally or emotionally disengage from stress, work, or other concerns, allowing for relaxation and mental recuperation.

Which is correct, "able to switch off" or "able to turn off"?

Both "able to switch off" and "able to turn off" are correct, but "able to switch off" often implies a more mental or emotional disengagement, whereas "able to turn off" can also refer to physical devices. The choice depends on context.

What can I say instead of "able to switch off"?

Alternatives include "capable of relaxing", "capable of disconnecting", or "able to unwind", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.