close yourself off from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close yourself off from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of isolating oneself emotionally or socially from others or certain experiences. Example: "After the breakup, she decided to close herself off from her friends for a while to heal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If you close yourself off from it, you can't take part.

The Guardian - Money

"New ideas and music come from everywhere, often from people who might not have a platform, so to say 'I'm above you' or to close yourself off from anyone is very narrow-minded," he says.

Vice

As difficult as it is, you must move forward with your life so you don't close yourself off from your friends and family.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When you're looking at your phone, you're allowing a magical world to pass you by, and closing yourself off from endless opportunities.

Huffington Post

Keep your hands at your sides, leaving yourself open to possibilities instead of closing yourself off from new interactions.

WikiHow

Fear that someone will cheat on you can make you close yourself off emotionally from your new partner.

WikiHow

Don't completely cut yourself off from your closest friends completely, but be careful.

WikiHow

In the meantime, it is silencing all opposition and closing Thailand off from the world.

Vice

I closed myself off from all of my happy childhood memories for the years without oral stimulation.

Huffington Post

I became very interested in a culture that is so closed off like the art world is closed off from the rest of the world, even though art is a commentary of the moment.

Huffington Post

Yes-or-no questions shut down conversation and make you seem closed off from hearing what your audience may have to say.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "close yourself off from" when you want to convey a deliberate act of emotional or social withdrawal. It suggests a conscious effort to create distance between oneself and others, often as a form of self-protection or coping mechanism.

Common error

Avoid using "close yourself off from" when describing temporary periods of solitude or introspection. The phrase implies a more sustained and significant separation, so ensure the context warrants the intensity of the expression. Shorter periods could be better described with "taking time for yourself" or "needing space".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close yourself off from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of emotional or social withdrawal. It implies a conscious effort to isolate oneself from external influences, relationships, or experiences. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close yourself off from" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of deliberately isolating oneself emotionally or socially. According to Ludwig AI, while the phrase is used across various contexts, it is mostly often observed in News and Wiki. Remember that it is best used when describing sustained isolation rather than temporary solitude. Consider alternatives like "isolate oneself from" or "withdraw from" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut oneself off from

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes a more abrupt and complete cessation of interaction.

cut oneself off from

Indicates a complete and often abrupt severing of connections or relationships.

isolate oneself from

Focuses on the act of setting oneself apart, emphasizing the physical or emotional distance created.

distance oneself from

Focuses on creating a spatial or emotional gap, implying a desire to avoid closeness.

withdraw from

Suggests a pulling back from engagement or interaction, highlighting a reduction in participation.

detach oneself from

Emphasizes a cutting of emotional ties or connections, suggesting a more deliberate separation.

separate oneself from

Highlights the act of creating a distinction or boundary between oneself and something else.

become distant from

Highlights the increasing separation in a relationship or connection over time.

divorce oneself from

Implies a more formal or decisive separation, often suggesting a permanent severing of ties.

become alienated from

Suggests a sense of estrangement or disconnection, often implying a loss of belonging or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "close yourself off from" in a sentence?

You can use "close yourself off from" to describe someone intentionally isolating themselves emotionally or socially. For example: "After the argument, he decided to "close himself off from" his family."

What's a less intense way to express the idea of "close yourself off from"?

If you want to express a less severe form of isolation, consider using phrases like "take some time for yourself" or "need space". These options suggest temporary solitude rather than complete disconnection.

What's the difference between "close yourself off from" and "shut yourself off from"?

While similar, "shut yourself off from" often implies a more sudden or forceful act of isolation, whereas "close yourself off from" can suggest a more gradual withdrawal.

Is it grammatically correct to say "closing yourself off from"?

Yes, "closing yourself off from" is grammatically correct. It is the present participle form of the verb phrase and can be used in continuous tenses, such as "She is "closing herself off from" everyone after the incident".