screwed shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "screwed shut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been fastened or secured tightly with screws, often referring to containers or objects that are meant to be sealed. Example: "The jar was screwed shut to keep the contents fresh and prevent any spills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

One defendant leant forward, his eyes screwed shut in fear.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Biggs got started securing the rest of the house, screwing shut the heavy wood windows on the first floor.

The New York Times - Magazine

He patted the young student's cheek, causing Westie to screw shut his eyes in expectation of something harder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Back downstairs, people started securing all the entrances and exits, screwing shut doors and hammering planks of wood across windows.

Vice

The battery compartment screws shut, meaning adult assistance (and a screwdriver) may be necessary to change the batteries.

WikiHow

Certainly the director who made Hunger and 12 Years a Slave has his eye for life's brutality screwed firmly shut here.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to the action of closing something tightly or the state of being closed. For example, "He screwed the lid shut" describes the action, while "The windows were screwed shut" describes the state.

Common error

Avoid using "screwed shut" in overly formal contexts when you intend to describe something being in a bad situation. While understandable in informal conversation, phrases like "We are screwed" are more appropriate than "We are screwed shut" in business or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screwed shut" functions as a compound adjective when modifying a noun, describing the state of being tightly closed, or as a verb phrase when describing the action of closing something tightly. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "screwed shut" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something tightly closed, often secured with screws. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid. While mainly used in neutral contexts like news and media, it's also seen in scientific and general writing. The phrase conveys a sense of security and deliberateness in the closure. Remember to avoid overly literal use in figurative contexts and to consider its appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tightly sealed

Emphasizes the completeness of the closure, focusing on preventing anything from entering or escaping.

sealed tight

Similar to "tightly sealed", but with a slightly different word order for emphasis.

firmly closed

Highlights the strength and stability of the closing action.

tightly fastened

Focuses on the act of securing something closed using a fastener.

closed securely

Highlights the safety and reliability of the closure.

clamped shut

Uses "clamp" to express the idea of a strong pressure/seal being applied.

sealed off

Suggests a complete and often irreversible closure, preventing access.

battened down

Implies securing something against a storm or other adverse conditions.

riveted shut

Conveys a sense of permanence and immobility through a secure fastening.

made fast

Maritime term signifying something is securely fixed or closed

FAQs

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

You can use "screwed shut" to describe something that is tightly closed or fastened with screws. For example: "The windows in the old house were "screwed shut" to prevent intruders from entering."

What does "screwed shut" mean?

"Screwed shut" means that something is closed very tightly, often with the implication that it is difficult to open. It can also describe something that has been deliberately sealed or fastened to prevent it from being opened easily.

Which is correct, "screwed shut" or "screwed closed"?

"Screwed shut" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "screwed closed" isn't necessarily incorrect, it is less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers.

What are some alternative phrases for "screwed shut"?

Some alternative phrases for "screwed shut" include "tightly sealed", "firmly closed", or "sealed tight". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the closure you want to emphasize.