cut off access

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut off access" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It means to prevent or stop access to something by some kind of barrier, physical or digital. For example, "We had to cut off access to the building to ensure security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TalkTalk, Sky, Virgin, O2 and Everything Everywhere have already cut off access to the site, which hosts links to pirated music and video.

BBC

The encampment had cut off access to the city's old market, blocking trading for several days.

The New York Times

Some object to walls that would cut off access to the river.

The Economist

Russian and government forces completely cut off access to the city this week.

The Guardian

Where Mangini cut off access to assistant coaches, Ryan made them available to reporters.

The New York Times - Sports

It cut off access from the side aisles and features like the Firemen's Memorial.

The New York Times

Police have surrounded the centre of Kiev and cut off access by car to Independence Square.

The Guardian

The controversy consumed her campaign, which cut off access to the documentary crew for two weeks.

The New Yorker

Why go to all of this trouble to cut off access to your credit file?

The New York Times

He constructed a network of forts that cut off access to Antwerp by land.

Britannica

They also set up roadblocks out of burning tyres that cut off access to the capital.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey: does the phrase accurately reflect whether access is temporarily suspended, permanently blocked, or simply made more difficult?

Common error

Avoid using "cut off access" in passive constructions where the actor doing the cutting off is unclear. Specify who or what is responsible for restricting the access to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off access" functions as a verb phrase. It describes an action taken to prevent or terminate the ability to reach or use something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut off access" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of preventing or terminating the ability to reach, use, or enter something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted in written English. It's prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being blocked and why, specifying who or what is responsible for restricting access. Consider alternative phrases such as "block access" or "prevent access" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

block access

Replaces "cut off" with the more direct verb "block", maintaining a similar meaning.

prevent access

Emphasizes the act of stopping access before it occurs, rather than severing existing access.

restrict access

Indicates a limitation on access, rather than a complete removal.

deny access

Highlights the refusal of access, focusing on the decision-making aspect.

disable access

Specifically implies the use of a technical or mechanical means to prevent access.

eliminate access

Emphasizes the complete removal of any possibility of access.

obstruct access

Suggests that access is made difficult or impossible, often through a physical barrier.

terminate access

Formal term suggesting a formal or contractual end to accessibility.

preclude access

Formally implies that conditions prevent access from being possible.

seal off

Implies that access is cut off by physically sealing something, like a building.

FAQs

What does "cut off access" mean?

"Cut off access" means to prevent someone or something from being able to reach, use, or enter something. It implies a deliberate act of blocking or stopping access.

What are some synonyms for "cut off access"?

Alternatives to "cut off access" include "block access", "prevent access", "restrict access", and "deny access".

Is "cut off access" formal or informal?

"Cut off access" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

How can I use "cut off access" in a sentence?

Example: "The company decided to "cut off access" to the server after the security breach." or "The flood "cut off access" to the town."