put out of action

USAGE SUMMARY

"put out of action" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where someone or something has been disabled or incapacitated. For example: "The accident put the truck driver out of action for several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A US marine corps captain was shot and their communications were put out of action.

The Guardian

I never visited the Jezero because it was put out of action so early in the war.

Independent

Local towns were flooded, trains washed off their tracks and six electricity stations put out of action.

The Guardian

Almost 10% of Gaza's factories have been put out of action, said the Palestinian Federation of Industries.

The Guardian

One of the most reliable earners, Bono, U2's singer, was put out of action when he injured his back in May.

The Economist

In addition, the radio network was put out of action, which delayed evacuation and some people were not brought out until almost midday.

Independent

The guns at Longues had by then been put out of action in a furious duel with the cruiser HMS Ajax.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That in turn has led to grave concern over what might occur if the main generating plant, south of Damascus, were to be put out of action.

The Guardian

In those days it meant 688 men were trapped in Kent coalmines because the lift winches were put out of action.

The Guardian

Thousands of snares to catch animals for bushmeat have been removed, 10 poacher camps destroyed, three bushmeat kitchens put out of action and six poachers arrested.

The Guardian

The railways and ports used to export sugar, copper and other valuable commodities such as coal could be put out of action for months.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing this phrase; it can be used in both formal and informal settings, but ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "put out of action" when a simpler verb like "disable" or "deactivate" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations where the incapacitation is a significant event or has notable consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put out of action" functions as a compound verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It describes the state of being rendered non-functional or inoperative, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples of equipment, systems, or individuals being disabled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put out of action" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone being rendered non-functional or inoperative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and technical domains. While generally neutral in tone, its usage should be tailored to the specific audience and situation, considering alternatives like "disable" or "incapacitate" for greater precision. When using "put out of action", ensure that the context implies a significant incapacitation event with notable consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disable

This is a more concise and direct verb for making something unable to function.

incapacitate

Suggests a more severe or long-term inability to function, often due to injury or damage.

take out of service

Implies a more formal or planned removal from operation, often temporary.

render inoperative

A more technical or formal way of saying something is not working.

neutralize

Suggests the act of making something ineffective or harmless, often in a military or strategic context.

deactivate

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

immobilize

Focuses on preventing movement or action.

eliminate

Indicates a complete removal or destruction, going beyond mere incapacitation.

knock out

A more informal term suggesting a sudden or forceful incapacitation.

take offline

Specifically refers to removing something from an online or network environment.

FAQs

How can I use "put out of action" in a sentence?

You can use "put out of action" to describe something or someone being rendered unable to function, such as "The injury put the athlete out of action for the season" or "The cyberattack put the company's servers out of action".

What are some alternatives to "put out of action"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "disable", "incapacitate", "deactivate", or "take out of service".

Is "put out of action" formal or informal?

"Put out of action" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to determine if a more precise or technical term would be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "put out of action" and "destroy"?

"Put out of action" implies that something is temporarily or permanently unable to function but not necessarily beyond repair. "Destroy", on the other hand, suggests complete and irreversible damage or demolition.