sealed shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sealed shut" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been completely closed and secured, for example: "The basement door was sealed shut, and we could not find a way to open it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's closed, sealed shut.

The New York Times

Manhole covers are sealed shut.

The New York Times

Behind them, the hatch sealed shut.

The New Yorker

Ma'am But the window is sealed shut.

The New York Times

A door has been sealed shut with newspaper.

The New York Times - Arts

The doors to this library are sealed shut.

The Guardian

On many vans, the business side is sealed shut.

The Guardian - Tech

They are sealed shut, and covered now with plastic film to stop them shattering in explosions.

The Economist

More like kidney beans, slick and cool, eyes still sealed shut.

The New Yorker

And with Turkey's border sealed shut to the north, those people could have nowhere to run.

The Washington Post

It is sealed shut, and they play until the oxygen runs out.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical barriers, use "sealed shut" to emphasize a complete and often irreversible closure. For example, "The vault door was sealed shut after the robbery."

Common error

Avoid using "sealed shut" metaphorically when a simpler phrase like "closed" or "ended" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sealed shut" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe a state of complete closure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples include "The hatch sealed shut" and "The doors to this library are sealed shut".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sealed shut" is a versatile and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a sense of complete and often irreversible closure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it functions primarily as a compound adjective, emphasizing the finality and security of a closure, with the most frequent contexts coming from news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts to maintain clarity and naturalness in writing. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively leverage "sealed shut" to enhance their descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tightly sealed

Emphasizes the tightness of the seal, suggesting an airtight or watertight closure.

completely closed

Focuses on the completeness of the closure, leaving no openings or gaps.

firmly closed

Focuses on the firmness of the closure, implying a tight and secure seal.

securely fastened

Highlights the security aspect of the closure, indicating that it is locked or otherwise protected from unauthorized access.

locked tight

Indicates that the closure is not only secure but also very firm.

hermetically sealed

Implies an airtight seal, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

made airtight

Describes the act of making something airtight, similar to sealing it.

closed off

Emphasizes the act of preventing access or passage.

barricaded

Implies a stronger, more forceful closure, often used in situations of defense or protection.

inaccessible

Focuses on the result of being closed, highlighting the inability to reach or enter.

FAQs

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

You can use "sealed shut" to describe something that is completely closed and secured, such as "The container was "sealed shut" to prevent contamination" or "After the accident, the road was "sealed shut" by the police".

What are some alternatives to "sealed shut"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "firmly closed", "tightly sealed", or "securely fastened". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seal shut" instead of "sealed shut"?

While "seal shut" might be understood, "sealed shut" is the more common and grammatically correct form when describing something that has already been closed.

What's the difference between "sealed shut" and "locked shut"?

"Sealed shut" implies a complete closure that may be difficult or impossible to open without causing damage, while "locked shut" implies that a lock is preventing it from being opened. Something "sealed shut" might not necessarily be locked, and vice versa.