able to turn off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to turn off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability to deactivate or stop something, such as a device or an emotion. Example: "She is able to turn off her phone during meetings to avoid distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I liked being able to turn off work at night.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once the car slowed to 50mph Sikes was able to turn off the engine.

The Guardian - Business

I wake up every day not able to turn off the worry.

The Guardian

The real leap with inControl, however, is being able to turn off certain forms of spending altogether.

The New York Times

And because the app sends the photos to McAfee's servers, not Facebook's, it is able to turn off the save and downloading features.

The New York Times

The ease with which the IWF was able to turn off Wikipedia access in the UK was just the latest illustration of the controllability of the network.

The Guardian - Tech

Bartlet's puzzle does the same job as that wheeze for screenwriter Aaron Sorkin; it says: "This person is able to turn off.

The Guardian

Would you like assistance drafting a letter to the parole board?" (For better or worse, you will never be able to turn off this feature).

The New York Times

Should networks be shut off? (Of course not! Web access is an inalienable right!) Should professors be able to turn off the systems?

The New York Times

Even if Mr Arafat were to do his honest utmost, he might not be able to turn off a Palestinian protest that is now directed at what his people consider fundamental injustices.

The Economist

My wife has roots in the tiny Maine lobster port of Winter Harbor, which means I'm fortunate to be able to turn off the wider world for a short while each summer when we visit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to turn off" when you want to emphasize the capability or possibility of deactivating something, whether it's a device, a feature, or even an emotion. Be specific about what can be turned off to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to turn off" in overly passive constructions, which can make your writing sound indirect or weak. Instead of saying "The feature is able to be turned off", opt for "You can turn off the feature" for a more direct and active voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to turn off" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate capability or possibility of deactivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing devices, features, and even emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to turn off" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the capability to deactivate something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, making it suitable for diverse forms of communication. Remember to use it actively and specifically, avoiding passive constructions for clarity. Consider alternatives like "capable of deactivating" or "has the ability to shut down" to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "able to turn off" into your vocabulary and enhance your writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of deactivating

Emphasizes skill or competence in performing the deactivation.

in a position to disable

Focuses on the current state that permits disabling something.

has the ability to shut down

Highlights the inherent capacity to perform a shutdown.

empowered to switch off

Suggests that someone has been given the authority or power to turn something off.

authorized to cut off

Implies official permission to disconnect or stop something.

ready to power down

Indicates preparedness or readiness to shut down a device or system.

able to disconnect

Focuses on the action of severing a connection.

permitted to halt

Signifies formal allowance to stop an action or process.

allowed to cease

Similar to permitted to halt but with a slightly broader scope.

eligible to suspend

Implies meeting the criteria for temporarily stopping something.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to turn off" to describe the capacity to deactivate something, such as "The new app is "able to turn off" notifications to minimize distractions."

What are some alternatives to "able to turn off"?

Alternatives include "capable of deactivating", "has the ability to shut down", or "empowered to switch off", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "able to be turned off"?

While grammatically acceptable, "able to be turned off" can sound passive. It's often better to use a more active construction like "can be turned off" or "is "able to turn off"" for clearer writing.

What's the difference between "able to turn off" and "can turn off"?

Both phrases convey the same general meaning, but ""able to turn off"" often emphasizes the inherent capability or design feature, while "can turn off" is a more general statement of ability. For example, "The device is "able to turn off" automatically" suggests it's designed to do so, whereas "I can turn off the device" simply states my ability to do it.