blocked off

USAGE SUMMARY

"blocked off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when something has been closed off or sealed off from the rest of a group or area. For example, "The street had been blocked off for the parade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"They blocked off the whole area.

The New York Times

"The town is blocked off," he said.

The New York Times

The police blocked off traffic for them.

The New York Times

Cordons blocked off certain avenues and led you down others.

The New Yorker

"The security forces have blocked off the area now".

The New York Times

The passage has long since been blocked off, he added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We started by blocking off the cafeteria.

The Washington Post

They block off freeways so his motorcade can zoom by.

The Economist

He said: "They may block off the roads.

The Guardian

63 min: Cheik Tiote is booked for blocking off Mulenga.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't block off the … " The signs overlap.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing temporary closures or restrictions, use "blocked off" to clearly convey that access is temporarily restricted. For example, "The road was blocked off due to construction."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "blocked". "Blocked off" is the standard phrasal verb, so using "blocked from" or "blocked by" may change the meaning or sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blocked off" is that of a phrasal verb, used to describe the action of obstructing or preventing access to a place or area. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blocked off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a physical restriction or closure. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, most prominently in News & Media. Alternatives such as "sealed off" or "cordoned off" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that you stick to the standard form and avoid incorrect prepositions. Remember that "blocked off" is best used to describe temporary restrictions, like road closures for events or construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sealed off

Implies a complete closure, preventing entry or exit.

closed off

Suggests a formal or official closure, often temporary.

cordoned off

Indicates an area secured by a boundary, often for safety or investigation.

barricaded

Emphasizes the use of barriers to prevent access.

obstructed

Focuses on something being in the way, hindering movement.

shut off

Suggests a sudden or complete stop to access or flow.

isolated

Highlights the separation of an area from others.

cutoff

Indicates a removal or disconnection, often abruptly.

partitioned

Implies division of space using a barrier or wall.

impeded

Suggests a hindrance to progress or movement.

FAQs

What does "blocked off" mean?

"Blocked off" means to obstruct or close access to a place or route, typically temporarily.

How can I use "blocked off" in a sentence?

You can use "blocked off" to describe a street closure, such as: "The street was "sealed off" due to the parade."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "blocked off"?

Alternatives include "cordoned off", "closed off", or "shut off", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "block off" instead of "blocked off"?

"Block off" is the infinitive form, while "blocked off" is the past tense or past participle form. Choose the correct form based on the tense of your sentence. For example, "They will block off the street tomorrow" (future) versus "They "closed off" the street yesterday" (past).