remained shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remained shut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where something, such as a door or window, has not been opened and continues to be closed. Example: "Despite the noise outside, the door remained shut throughout the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most cafes and restaurants remained shut.

The Guardian

In recent months, however, she had remained shut inside.

The New York Times

As of Wednesday, the account remained shut down.

The New York Times - Tech

The main airport in Juba remained shut on Monday evening.

The Guardian

The blinds remained shut and the curtains closed.

The New York Times

The bond markets planned to reopen on September 13th, but equity markets remained shut.

The Economist

The plant has remained shut ever since, despite numerous attempts to reopen it.

The Economist

Hospitals were running on skeleton staff while archaeological sites and museums remained shut.

Independent

In the Karnataka state capital, Bangalore, most shops and offices remained shut Saturday.

The New York Times

It added that three other reactors at the Chernobyl site remained shut down.

The New York Times

Many shops and restaurants remained shut on Sunday in Brussels with few people in the streets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remained shut", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being closed and why. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "remained shut" to describe abstract concepts or situations that do not involve a physical closure. For example, instead of saying "communication remained shut", opt for "communication was suspended" or "communication ceased".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remained shut" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "remained" is the main verb indicating a continued state and "shut" functions as an adjective complementing the verb. This describes a state of continued closure, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remained shut" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state of continued closure. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys that something has not been opened or resumed operation. Analysis of its usage reveals a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news media and academic writing. While "remained shut" is widely applicable, it's important to use it in contexts involving physical or operational closures, avoiding abstract or inappropriate applications. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication. Common alternatives include "stayed closed" and "kept closed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stayed closed

Focuses on the continuation of a closed state, similar to "remained shut" but with a slightly different emphasis on duration.

kept closed

Emphasizes the active effort to maintain the closed state, implying a deliberate action.

continued to be closed

A more verbose alternative, highlighting the ongoing nature of the closure.

remained inoperative

Used when referring to systems or machinery, suggesting a non-functional state.

remained inaccessible

Highlights the inability to access something, focusing on the lack of access rather than the physical closure.

remained unavailable

Emphasizes the lack of availability, which could be due to various reasons, not just physical closure.

remained sealed

Suggests a secure closure, often implying a protective barrier.

remained non-operational

Similar to "remained inoperative", focusing on the inability to function.

remained fastened

Implies something has been closed and locked in place, not just closed.

remained secured

Similar to "remained fastened", but also suggests protective measures have been taken.

FAQs

What does "remained shut" mean?

"Remained shut" means something continued to be closed, and didn't open. It often describes physical objects like doors or windows, but can apply more broadly.

What can I say instead of "remained shut"?

You can use alternatives like "stayed closed", "kept closed", or "continued to be closed" depending on the context.

Is "remained shut" grammatically correct?

Yes, "remained shut" is grammatically correct. "Remained" is a verb indicating a continuing state, and "shut" is an adjective describing the state of being closed.

How to use "remained shut" in a sentence?

You can use "remained shut" to describe a physical object that did not open: "The door remained shut all day". Or to describe something that didn't resume: "The airport "remained shut" due to the storm".