seal out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seal out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to preventing something, such as air or moisture, from entering a space or area. Example: "To ensure energy efficiency, it's important to seal out drafts from windows and doors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

At the bottom of the unit is a rubber bellows to seal out water and dirt.

The New York Times

Exterior care of our homes will be simplified, as these covers can be made to seal out the elements.

The New York Times

The boy stuffed a towel under his bedroom door, Loraine Dutchin said, to seal out any noise.

The New York Times

These gaskets help to seal out cold drafts and prevent heat losses around electrical boxes on cold outside walls.

The New York Times

The crepe-like paper is placed around the neck, and over the gown and cutting collar, to seal out unwanted ends.

The New York Times

These headphones fit over the ear but have an open-air design, meaning they will not seal out environmental sound; they act more like an on-ear headset.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Here a cool darkness has reigned for centuries, sealing out modernity.

The Guardian - Travel

Judge Timothy B. Taylor of Superior Court, overruling a previous order by a predecessor in the case to disperse the seals, ruled Friday that given the new law, there was no point in kicking the seals out now.

The New York Times

When this cover is in place, it seals out all moisture, so that your drywall stays dry.

Forbes

The sealant secures the structure of the dart while also sealing out any moisture or oil.

WikiHow

You want to add a bead of plumbers' putty under it so it seals out water.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing protective measures, use "seal out" to emphasize the act of creating a barrier against unwanted elements like moisture, noise, or light. For example, "Use weatherstripping to "seal out" drafts from windows and doors."

Common error

Avoid using "seal out" when a simpler verb like "prevent" or "block" is more appropriate. "Seal out" implies a more thorough or physical barrier, so using it for abstract concepts or simple avoidance can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seal out" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "seal" with the particle "out" to create a new verb with a distinct meaning. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in preventing entry of elements like water, noise, or light.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "seal out" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe the act of creating a barrier against unwanted elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "keep out" or "block out", "seal out" often implies a more thorough or physical sealing process. Remember to use it when you need to emphasize a physical barrier and avoid overusing it where simpler verbs suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep out

General term for preventing entry or access.

block entry

Focuses on preventing something from entering.

keep away

Implies maintaining a distance or preventing approach.

close off

Highlights completely blocking access or preventing passage.

shut out

Emphasizes exclusion or preventing participation.

exclude

Formal term for preventing inclusion.

protect against

Highlights providing a defense or safeguard.

defend from

Focuses on actively protecting something from attack.

ward off

Suggests actively defending against something.

isolate from

Implies creating a barrier to prevent contact.

FAQs

How can I use "seal out" in a sentence?

You can use "seal out" to describe preventing something from entering a space or area. For example, "The new windows are designed to "seal out" noise from the busy street."

What's the difference between "seal out" and "keep out"?

"Seal out" often implies a more thorough barrier or a physical sealing process, while "keep out" is a more general term for preventing entry.

What can I say instead of "seal out"?

Alternatives include "block out", "keep out", or "exclude" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "seal out" in both physical and abstract contexts?

While typically used in physical contexts (e.g., sealing out moisture), "seal out" can sometimes be used metaphorically in abstract contexts, but this should be done carefully to avoid sounding unnatural. It's usually best to reserve it for situations where a strong barrier is implied.