it was shut down

USAGE SUMMARY

'it was shut down' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to indicate that a program, machine, or business has been officially closed or stopped. For example, "The factory was shut down after a fire broke out in the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

After achieving its goal it was shut down while the primary science mission of Mars Express got underway.

Acta Astronautica

It was shut down and its assets were sold.

The Economist

It was shut down in 2014.

The Economist

It was shut down on Wednesday evening.

The New York Times

Again, it was shut down.

The New York Times

It was shut down this week for massive upgrades.

Cornell University

(It was shut down after a mere five hours).

The New York Times - Books

It was shut down in February because of the economy.

The New York Times

It was shut down at gunpoint after just six days.

The Guardian

Recently it was shut down, ostensibly for tax evasion.

The New York Times

It was shut down in August, amid concerns that it was wasting  public money.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was shut down" when you want to clearly and directly communicate that something has been stopped or closed, especially due to an official decision or external factors. For example: "The website "it was shut down" due to copyright violations".

Common error

Avoid using "it was shut down" interchangeably with terms like "suspended" or "temporarily closed" if the intention is to convey a permanent closure. "Shut down" implies a more definitive end.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shut down" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (the 'it') underwent the action of being closed or stopped. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was shut down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig. Its function is to passively convey the cessation of something, typically due to an external force or decision. The examples in Ludwig showcase its versatility across varied registers, but it's most prevalent in news and media contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "it was closed" or "it was deactivated", the choice depends on the specific nuance and formality desired. To ensure clarity, avoid using "it was shut down" when a temporary suspension is intended. Overall, this phrase is a reliable way to communicate the termination of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was closed

A general term indicating termination, but less forceful than "shut down".

it was deactivated

Suggests a deliberate turning off or disabling of a device or system.

it was discontinued

Implies that something is no longer being produced or offered.

it was terminated

A more formal term for ending something, often a contract or service.

it was ceased

Suggests a complete and permanent halt to an activity.

it was halted

Suggests an abrupt stop to an activity or process.

it was forced to close

Emphasizes external pressure or circumstances leading to the shutdown.

it was suspended

Indicates a temporary interruption, rather than a permanent closure.

it was decommissioned

Specifically refers to the process of taking something out of service, often a large piece of equipment or facility.

it came to an end

A more general phrase indicating the conclusion of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was shut down" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it was deactivated", "it was terminated", or "it was decommissioned", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "it was shut down" and "it was closed"?

While both phrases indicate that something is no longer operational, "it was shut down" often implies a more forceful or official action. "it was closed" is a more general term.

What does "it was shut down" imply?

The phrase ""it was shut down"" generally implies that an entity or operation has been stopped, often by an external force or decision. It can suggest a sense of finality or a deliberate act of termination.

When is it appropriate to use "it was shut down" in writing?

Use "it was shut down" when you want to emphasize the cessation of activity, especially when there is an element of authority or finality involved. For example, "The illegal operation "it was shut down" by the police".