be shut off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shut off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is turned off or deactivated, often referring to devices or systems. Example: "The power supply will be shut off during the maintenance work to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All ornamental fountains must be shut off.

The New York Times

Building ventilation systems should be shut off if possible.

University of California, Berkeley

Cell phones are permitted but must be shut off during the program.

University of California, Berkeley

Everything else can be shut off by uLink as needs arise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The ministry even warned that their electricity would be shut off, if necessary.

The New York Times

Numerous tenants said they had heard that power and water would be shut off.

The New York Times

The Tampa route to retaining power seems to be shut off.

The New York Times

"The issue came up one day, and it was never intended to be shut off".

The New York Times

It said that NorthPoint's failure meant his service would be shut off within days.

The New York Times

The motor assist can be shut off when you want to work up a sweat.

The New York Times

"We don't want to be shut off, as it obviously doesn't serve our own interests".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be shut off", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being deactivated or disconnected. For instance, specify "the water supply will be shut off" rather than simply stating "it will be shut off".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with "be shut off" as it can make writing seem indirect. Opt for active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity. For example, instead of "The power will be shut off by the company", consider "The company will shut off the power".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shut off" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of something being deactivated, disconnected, or terminated. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be shut off" is a versatile passive verb phrase indicating deactivation, disconnection, or termination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "be turned off" serves as a simpler substitute, "be shut off" often appears in more formal or technical discussions. To use this phrase effectively, ensure clarity by specifying what is being deactivated, and avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain writing directness. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be turned off

A direct and common alternative, referring to ceasing the operation of a device or system.

be cut off

Implies a sudden or forceful severance, like a supply or connection.

be disconnected

Focuses on the physical or logical interruption of a connection.

be disabled

Indicates that something has been rendered unusable or inoperative.

be deactivated

Emphasizes the act of making something inactive or non-functional.

be powered down

Specifically refers to reducing or stopping the power supply to a device.

be terminated

Suggests a formal or abrupt ending, often used in contractual or system contexts.

be isolated

Highlights the state of being separated from others, either physically or metaphorically.

be discontinued

Indicates that something is no longer available or being produced.

be suspended

Suggests a temporary interruption or cessation of activity.

FAQs

How can I use "be shut off" in a sentence?

You can use "be shut off" to indicate that something is deactivated or disconnected. For example: "The water supply will "be shut off" during the repairs" or "His access to the building was "be shut off" after the incident".

What's a simple substitute for "be shut off"?

A simple substitute for "be shut off" is "be turned off". Both phrases indicate the cessation of operation, but "be turned off" is often perceived as more straightforward and less formal.

Is it better to say "be shut off" or "be turned off"?

The choice between ""be shut off"" and "be turned off" largely depends on context. While both are correct, "be turned off" is generally more common in everyday language, while ""be shut off"" might be used in more technical or formal contexts.

What are some contexts where "be shut off" is commonly used?

"Be shut off" is frequently used to describe the termination of services like utilities (water, electricity), access, or functions of equipment. For example, it might describe when a utility service is disconnected due to non-payment or when access to a building is revoked.