is screwed shut

USAGE SUMMARY

"is screwed shut" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been closed using a screw mechanism, for example: The window is screwed shut to keep it secure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A wood mounting board holding the electronics and the magnetic sensors sits firmly inside the tube when the top cap is screwed shut, and can be easily slid out the tube when the cap is removed.

Earth, Planets and Space

Check your laptop's documentation for the compartment that holds your ram modules, typically a small access panel that is screwed shut with 1 or 2 screws on the bottom of your laptop.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's on the top floor of a six-story building; the exit doors are bolted and the windows are screwed shut, to keep patients from jumping out.

The New Yorker

She likes the sound of the ink rising into her fountain pen, the noise of the pen's body being screwed shut.

The New Yorker

The slot was screwed shut by a Wellesley librarian more than 40 years ago because students slipped through letters of their own to pay homage to the Brownings.

The Guardian - Books

"Notice how the windows in casino hotels are always screwed shut?" he asked cryptically.

The New York Times

But West's eyes, as his clarification to TMZ proves, are still screwed shut.

Vice

"He was a determined little beggar even then". She screwed shut her eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bruce Springsteen has his eyes screwed shut.

The Guardian - Music

"Yessssss!" he hissed, eyes screwed shut, jerking his elbow back.

The New Yorker

And then Mike saw it and screwed shut his eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "is screwed shut" to convey a sense of permanence or deliberate sealing. For example, 'The lid of the container is screwed shut to prevent leakage'.

Common error

Avoid using "is screwed shut" metaphorically when "is doomed" or "is ruined" is more appropriate. "Our project is screwed shut" is less clear than "Our project is doomed" or "Our project is ruined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is screwed shut" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase indicating a state of closure achieved by screws. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. The examples show both literal usage (a cap screwed shut) and metaphorical, though less common, implications (a situation is screwed).

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is screwed shut" is a grammatically sound phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe something physically closed and secured with screws. While most commonly found in neutral contexts like news, science, and wiki sources, its metaphorical usage is less frequent. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey – whether it's a tight seal, secure fastening, or simply being firmly closed. If your intent is metaphorical, using "doomed" or "ruined" is preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is tightly sealed

Focuses on the result of closure, emphasizing impermeability rather than the method.

is sealed tightly

Similar to 'is tightly sealed' but with a slightly different emphasis on the action of sealing.

is fastened securely

Emphasizes the security of the closure, suitable for a wider range of fastening methods.

is securely fastened

Mirrors 'is fastened securely', but reorders the words for a slightly different flow.

is firmly closed

Simple and direct, applicable to any kind of closure, not just screws.

is bolted down

Implies a stronger, more permanent fastening than a screw, suggesting stability.

is clamped shut

Suggests a clamping mechanism is used for closure, rather than screws.

is locked tight

Indicates closure with a locking mechanism, emphasizing security against unauthorized access.

is hermetically sealed

Specifies an airtight seal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

is rendered inoperable

Shifts the focus to the inability to function, rather than the physical state of closure.

FAQs

How can I use "is screwed shut" in a sentence?

You can use "is screwed shut" to describe something that has been closed tightly with screws. For example: "The hatch is screwed shut to keep out the water."

What does "is screwed shut" mean?

"Is screwed shut" means that something is fastened very securely using screws, making it difficult or impossible to open without tools. It can also metaphorically mean something is in a hopeless or unchangeable situation.

What can I say instead of "is screwed shut" when describing a physical object?

Alternatives include "is tightly sealed", "is fastened securely", or "is firmly closed".

When is it appropriate to use "is screwed shut" metaphorically?

Metaphorical use is less common and may sound awkward. Consider stronger alternatives like "is doomed" or "is ruined" if you mean something is in a hopeless situation.