are switched off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are switched off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a device or system, is turned off or not operational. Example: "The lights in the conference room are switched off to save energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, some are switched off more or less permanently.

The Economist

"I think people are switched off politics," Mr. Blunkett said.

The New York Times

Magnetorquer coils are switched off during the experiment to reduce the external magnetic disturbances.

Control Engineering Practice

They are switched off, and this change persists from one cell division to the next.

The Guardian

Professor Nutt's study identifies those regions of the brain that are switched off by magic mushrooms.

The Guardian - Opinion

The survey says 29% of streetlights are switched off or dimmed in Tory areas compared with 13% in Labour ones.

The Guardian

But most keep cramming until 2 a.m., when dorm lights are switched off, said Gang Min-ho, a senior.

The New York Times

As the servers are switched off, the people it homes would die a second death.

BBC

Street lights are switched off in areas including Rothwell, Otley and Yeadon.

BBC

Peak loads are higher, but most dumb electrical devices are switched off much of the time.

Forbes

They are switched off at times of low demand or high production from renewables.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are switched off", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being deactivated. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "are switched off" implies a complete cessation of all related functions. Sometimes, a partial deactivation is intended, which should be clarified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are switched off" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being acted upon to cease operation. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used in contexts ranging from gene regulation to electronic devices, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are switched off" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates a state of deactivation. As Ludwig AI shows, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in both scientific and general contexts. While simple alternatives like "are turned off" exist, "are switched off" offers a clear and widely understood way to express that something is no longer operational. Pay attention to context to ensure the scope of deactivation is clear, and avoid assuming a complete cessation of all functions unless explicitly stated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are deactivated

Focuses on the action of deactivation, emphasizing a process rather than a state.

are turned off

A more direct and common synonym, often used for devices or systems.

are powered down

Specifically relates to electrical devices ceasing to receive power.

are disabled

Implies a deliberate action to prevent something from functioning.

are shut down

Similar to "are turned off", but may suggest a more complete or controlled cessation.

are rendered inoperative

A more formal way to say something is no longer working.

are made inactive

Highlights the state of being not active.

are put out of service

Indicates a temporary or permanent removal from operational status.

are non-functional

Describes the state of not being able to perform a function.

cease to operate

Focuses on the action of stopping operation, rather than the state.

FAQs

How can I use "are switched off" in a sentence?

You can use "are switched off" to describe devices, systems, or processes that have been deactivated. For example, "The lights "are switched off" to conserve energy."

What's a simple way to rephrase "are switched off"?

A simple alternative is "are turned off", which has a similar meaning and is widely understood.

Is there a difference between "are switched off" and "are disabled"?

While similar, "are disabled" often implies a deliberate prevention of function, whereas "are switched off" is a more general term for deactivation.

What are the best contexts to use "are switched off"?

"Are switched off" is appropriate in many contexts, including describing electrical devices, genes in biology, or features in software. It's versatile for any scenario where something is made inactive.