shut

USAGE SUMMARY

'shut' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used as a verb meaning to close something or to stop doing something. Example sentence: Please shut the window to keep the cold air out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Saw ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey and the Dragon's Fury and Rattlesnake rollercoasters at Chessington World of Adventures, also in Surrey, have also been shut down by Merlin Entertainments, which owns all three parks.

The Guardian

If it was not, the whole ride should have automatically shut down".

The Guardian

It's a serious hassle to shut down a bank account and transfer money to a new one, especially with direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and the like.

The Economist

After Shad mentioned the words "gay" and "marriage," we heard Peter's wife hiss, "Don't talk to those people!" Peter rolled his eyes slightly, stepped out onto the porch, and shut the door behind him.

The Economist

I am no Carrie Mathieson but I think the wrong case officer is in charge of this investigation if they think this will shut Greenwald up.

The Guardian

Ever since, the rapper has complained that Operation Trident has followed his movements, informing venues and record labels of his past in an attempt to shut down his musical career.

The Guardian - Music

In July, SSE shut two units at its 1GW Ferrybridge coal plant in West Yorkshire following a fire.

The Guardian - Business

There are the digital channels - but audiences lost the only provider of regular anime to the UK when the Anime Central channel shut down last August.

The Guardian

I had no experience as an arts correspondent - or any relevant expertise -but I figured I could fake it if I kept my mouth shut.

The Guardian - Opinion

Urgently needed scholarly and public events enlightening students and citizens about key national debates of the day are already being shut down, on the grounds of "security".

The Guardian - Opinion

The only problem: Clifton Ward was about to shut down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the closing of a business or operation, "shut down" is more appropriate than simply "shut".

Common error

In formal writing, prefer the word "close" over "shut" when describing the action of making something no longer open, unless emphasizing abruptness. For example, use "close the door" instead of "shut the door" in professional documents.

Linguistic Context

The word "shut" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the action of closing something. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from physically closing doors to ceasing operations. Ludwig AI states that it is a verb to close something or to stop doing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "shut" is a versatile verb used to express the action of closing or stopping something. Ludwig examples show its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "shut" is generally neutral, it can sometimes imply a more abrupt or forceful closure compared to "close". According to Ludwig AI, "shut" is grammatically correct and widely used. When aiming for formal tone, consider using "close" rather than "shut", but for a more direct tone, "shut" is the way to go. The frequency is classified as "very common", solidifying it as an everyday term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close

A more general term for bringing something to a closed position.

close down

Specifically refers to ceasing operations or activities.

seal

Implies closing something securely and completely.

fasten

Suggests securing something closed, often with a latch or lock.

secure

Indicates making something closed and safe from intrusion.

block off

Implies preventing access by closing or obstructing.

terminate

A more formal term for ending or discontinuing something.

end

A basic way to express the cessation of an activity or process.

silence

Implies stopping someone from speaking or making noise.

hush

To make quiet or prevent from speaking.

FAQs

How can I use the word "shut" in a sentence?

You can use "shut" to mean to close something, as in "Please "shut the door"", or to stop something, as in "They decided to "shut down the project"".

What's the difference between "shut" and "close"?

"Shut" often implies a more forceful or abrupt closing, while "close" is a more general and neutral term for bringing something to a closed position. For example, "He slammed the door shut" emphasizes the force, while "Please close the window" is a polite request.

What can I say instead of "shut up" if I want to be polite?

Instead of the impolite command "shut up", consider alternatives like "please be quiet", "could you lower your voice?", or "I'd appreciate some silence".

When is it appropriate to use "shut down" instead of just "shut"?

"Shut down" is typically used when referring to the closing or termination of a business, system, or operation. For example, "The factory had to "shut down due to economic reasons"".