short-circuit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'short-circuit' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an interruption of an electrical circuit caused by a fault or other problem. For example, "One of the wires in the circuit was faulty, so the electric current was short-circuited before it reached its destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I'd short-circuit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Short-circuit the proceedings?

The New York Times

This will short-circuit all their synapses.

Independent

What could short-circuit this scenario?

The Economist

It was a telling short-circuit.

The Guardian

Will his capture short-circuit the reconstruction?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Short circuit.

The New Yorker

Short circuit or something".

The New York Times - Sports

Remember, short circuit.

The Guardian

Not short circuit protection.

University of California, Berkeley

A short circuit in the brain.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "short-circuit" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning of bypassing or disrupting a process.

Common error

Avoid using "short-circuit" in contexts where a simple 'stop' or 'interrupt' would suffice. The term implies a more fundamental disruption or bypass of a system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "short-circuit" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the act of causing an electrical short circuit or, metaphorically, disrupting or bypassing a process. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

8%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "short-circuit" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, denoting the disruption or bypassing of a process, literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While its register varies from formal in scientific contexts to neutral in general discussions, it's crucial to ensure the intended metaphorical meaning is clear. Alternatives like "bypass" or "circumvent" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using it loosely when simpler terms like 'stop' or 'interrupt' would suffice. Finally, pay attention to proper hyphenation, where "short-circuit" is the preferred spelling for verb or noun usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypass

Focuses on avoiding a standard procedure or route.

circumvent

Emphasizes cleverly finding a way around obstacles or rules.

cut short

Highlights abruptly ending or interrupting something.

expedite

Focuses on accelerating a process or making it faster.

override

Stresses the act of canceling or ignoring a previous setting or command.

nullify

Highlights making something invalid or without effect.

invalidate

Focuses on proving something is without legal or factual basis.

neutralize

Emphasizes rendering something ineffective or harmless.

derail

Highlights causing a process or plan to fail or be abandoned.

sabotage

Stresses deliberately destroying or obstructing something.

FAQs

How can I use "short-circuit" in a sentence?

You can use "short-circuit" to describe the disruption of an electrical circuit, as in "A faulty wire caused a short-circuit". Metaphorically, it can mean to bypass or disrupt a process, as in "The new policy aimed to short-circuit bureaucratic delays".

What can I say instead of "short-circuit"?

You can use alternatives like "bypass", "circumvent", or "cut short" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "short-circuit" or "short circuit"?

"Short-circuit" is the more common and accepted spelling, especially when used as a verb or noun. "Short circuit" can be used attributively, but the hyphenated form is generally preferred.

What does it mean to "short-circuit" an argument?

To "short-circuit" an argument means to prematurely end or avoid it, often by introducing an irrelevant point or distraction. It implies a failure to address the core issues.