he shut down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he shut down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has stopped functioning emotionally or mentally, or to indicate that a system or device has been turned off. Example: "After the stressful meeting, he shut down and didn't speak for the rest of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He shut down his accounts.

The New Yorker

He shut down his computer.

The New York Times

"After that, he shut down.

The New York Times - Sports

He shut down right away".

The New York Times

He shut down the computer.

The New Yorker

He shut down three major newspapers.

The New York Times

Three months later, he shut down the basketball program.

The New York Times

Like many beginners before him, he shut down the site.

The Guardian - Business

In 1992 he shut down Congress and assumed sweeping powers.

The New York Times

He shut down after last year's United States Open.

The New York Times - Sports

He shut down the Blue Jays in order for his 34th save.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he shut down" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context clearly indicates the emotional or mental state, avoiding ambiguity. For example, "After receiving the news, he shut down and refused to talk about it."

Common error

Avoid using "he shut down" in contexts where a more precise term is appropriate. For example, if you mean someone stopped a project, use "he stopped the project" rather than implying a complete systemic failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he shut down" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts, indicating actions ranging from ceasing operation of a device to describing an emotional or functional halt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he shut down" is a versatile expression indicating the cessation of activity, whether physical, operational, or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread use across diverse sources. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Sports, and Business contexts. While versatile, clarity is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "he ceased functioning" or "he powered off" can offer more precision depending on the intended meaning. The phrase's neutral register allows it to be used in various settings, provided the context is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he ceased functioning

Highlights a state of non-operation, closely mirroring the effect of shutting down.

he ceased operations

Focuses on the cessation of a business or system, similar to shutting down.

he deactivated the system

Focuses on the act of deactivating a system, much like shutting it down.

he terminated the process

Emphasizes the end of a specific action or sequence, analogous to a system shutdown.

he discontinued the service

Refers to stopping a service, akin to shutting down a service.

he powered off

Specifically refers to turning off a device, akin to shutting it down.

he went offline

Describes a system or person disconnecting, similar to a shutdown in communication.

he ceased to respond

Indicates a lack of reaction or communication, similar to an emotional shutdown.

he brought it to a standstill

Emphasizes the complete cessation of movement or progress, comparable to a shutdown.

he suspended activity

Implies a temporary halt, which can be a type of shutdown.

FAQs

How can I use "he shut down" in a sentence?

You can use "he shut down" to describe someone who stopped functioning emotionally or mentally. For example: "After the argument, he shut down and didn't say another word."

What can I say instead of "he shut down"?

You can use alternatives like "he ceased functioning", "he powered off", or "he went offline depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he shuts down" or "he shut down"?

The correct form depends on the tense you want to use. "He shuts down" is present tense, while "he shut down" is past tense. For example: "He shuts down whenever he feels overwhelmed" versus "He shut down after the stressful meeting".

What's the difference between "he shut down" and "he broke down"?

"He shut down" suggests a more controlled or deliberate stopping of function, either emotionally or mechanically. "He broke down" often implies an uncontrolled emotional collapse.