shorted out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shorted out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where an electrical circuit has been disrupted or damaged, often due to a fault or overload. Example: "The storm caused a power surge that shorted out several appliances in the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(1) Failed reed switch that is shorted out – replace the switch.

Cornell University

The lines mysteriously shorted out, causing a systemwide dip in voltage.

The New York Times

The radios placed in small, open boats were not waterproof and immediately shorted out, for example.

The New York Times

Something had shorted out, he said, so we needed a new computer for the stove.

The New York Times

The camp's electricity had shorted out during the night, leaving Loch, Kanika, and one T.C. freezing in Loch's battered R.V.

The New Yorker

"When we came back after July 1, we found that a storm had shorted out our answering machine.

The New York Times

The radio shorted out; the lights and the electric fence, powered by the sun, failed to turn on.

The New Yorker

Hurricane Sandy's storm surge swamped motors and shorted out electrical equipment in some plants, halting the flow and forcing sewage to back up and leak.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sadly, it was the fault of shorted-out holiday lights.

The New York Times - Travel

Bloom focused on the shorted-out machine that they had used to shape bagels.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shorted-out circuits in Consolidated Edison's flooded substation in the East Village stand a foot off the ground in metal sheds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing electrical issues, use "shorted out" to specifically indicate an electrical fault that has caused a circuit to fail. It's more precise than simply saying something 'stopped working'.

Common error

Avoid using "shorted out" to describe a person's mental state (e.g., "My brain shorted out"). While sometimes used informally, it's generally clearer and more effective to use terms like "blanked," "panicked", or "lost my train of thought".

Linguistic Context

"Shorted out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of an electrical circuit failing due to a short circuit. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where electrical components and systems are described as having "shorted out".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shorted out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes an electrical circuit failure. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that its primary function is to explain why an electrical device or system has ceased functioning due to a short circuit. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While it can be used figuratively, it's best reserved for describing actual electrical faults to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "malfunctioned" or "failed" can be used when a more general term is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunctioned

Indicates a failure to function correctly, similar to an electrical short but applicable to broader contexts.

failed

A general term for ceasing to function correctly, encompassing various types of failures beyond electrical issues.

broke down

Implies a cessation of function, often due to mechanical or electrical failure.

ceased functioning

A more formal way of saying something stopped working, similar in meaning to "shorted out" in certain contexts.

went haywire

Suggests erratic or uncontrolled behavior, often due to a malfunction or disruption.

developed a fault

Indicates the presence of a defect causing malfunction.

became defective

Similar to 'developed a fault', emphasizing the presence of a flaw affecting functionality.

stopped working

A straightforward description of functional failure.

cut out

Suggests a sudden cessation of function, which can be related to an electrical problem.

tripped

Specifically refers to a circuit breaker activating due to an overload, related to electrical shorts.

FAQs

How is "shorted out" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "shorted out" is commonly used to describe the failure of an electrical circuit or device due to a short circuit. For example, "The rain caused the outdoor lights to "shorted out"".

What are some alternative ways to say "shorted out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "malfunctioned", "failed", or "broke down" to convey a similar meaning. These alternatives work well when the specific cause of the failure is not necessarily an electrical short.

Is it appropriate to use "shorted out" in a non-electrical context?

While "shorted out" primarily refers to electrical failures, it can be used figuratively to describe a temporary mental lapse. However, it's generally better to use more specific and clearer terms such as "blanked" or "lost my train of thought" in such cases.

What causes something to "short out"?

Typically, a "short out" is caused by a low-resistance connection that bypasses the normal circuit path. This can result from damaged insulation, water exposure, or component failure, leading to excessive current flow and potential damage.