conked out

USAGE SUMMARY

"conked out" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to suddenly stop working or functioning, or to become unconscious. It can be used in a sentence to describe someone or something that has stopped working or functioning properly, as in "My car conked out on the way to work this morning." It can also be used to describe someone who has become exhausted or passed out, as in "After a long day of hiking, I was completely conked out by the time I got back to camp." Here is an example of how "conked out" can be used in a sentence: "After staying up all night studying for her exam, Sarah's brain felt like it conked out during the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

My phone conked out mid-flight.

The New Yorker

LOS ANGELES — Hollywood's overseas engine conked out in 2016.

The New York Times

Look at him, conked out, nose glistening, such an innocent.

The New York Times

"No?" "For one thing, the washing machine finally conked out".

The New York Times

Chris had conked out on the bed, and she couldn't get through this on her own.

The New Yorker

He conked out but he was awake again at half-three.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Old boilers are conking out," she said.

The New York Times

And the battery conks out after less than an hour.

The New York Times - Tech

He's tired of his technology conking out on him.

The New York Times - Magazine

It powers the drone but is prone to conking out, for reasons that remain unclear.

The Washington Post

If it's allowed to conk out, it's the end.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conked out" when you want to emphasize a sudden or unexpected cessation of function or loss of consciousness. It adds a touch of informality and can make your writing more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "conked out" in formal writing or professional settings where a more technical or neutral term like "failed" or "stopped functioning" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "conked out" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating a state change or cessation of activity. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It describes something or someone stopping suddenly or unexpectedly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "conked out" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe the sudden cessation of function or a quick descent into sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage is generally informal and most frequently found in News & Media. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal contexts where more precise language may be required. Remember that other options available are: ""stopped working"", ""broke down"", or ""passed out"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stopped working

Focuses on the cessation of functionality, omitting the sudden or unexpected aspect.

broke down

Emphasizes a failure in machinery or systems, without implying unconsciousness.

gave out

Highlights a depletion or exhaustion leading to failure.

failed

A general term for not succeeding or functioning correctly.

crashed

Implies a sudden and often forceful failure, typically used with computers or vehicles.

passed out

Specifically refers to losing consciousness.

fell asleep

A gentler term for going to sleep, lacking the suddenness of "conked out".

nodded off

Suggests a brief, unintentional sleep.

blacked out

Indicates a temporary loss of consciousness, often due to a medical condition.

became unconscious

A more formal and clinical way to describe losing consciousness.

FAQs

How can I use "conked out" in a sentence?

You can use "conked out" to describe something that has stopped working suddenly, like "The computer "conked out" during the presentation". It can also describe someone falling asleep quickly, like "After the long trip, I "conked out" on the couch".

What does "conked out" mean?

"Conked out" means to suddenly stop working or to fall asleep very quickly and deeply. It's an informal way of saying something has failed or someone has become unconscious due to exhaustion.

Which is the correct phrase: "conked out" or "conked off"?

"Conked out" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Conked off" is not a standard expression and should be avoided.

What are some alternatives to saying "conked out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stopped working", "broke down", "failed", or "passed out". The best choice depends on whether you're describing a mechanical failure or someone losing consciousness.