shut down

USAGE SUMMARY

"shut down" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it as an imperative verb (which is an order or command) to tell someone to stop an activity. For example, "Shut down the computer immediately!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shut down.

The New York Times

They were shut down.

The Economist

shut down 378 restaurants.

The New Yorker

To shut down?

The New Yorker

"Minnesota government shut down.

The New York Times

"I was shut down.

The New York Times

I shut down".

The New York Times

Coffee shops shut down.

The New York Times

Some people shut down.

The New York Times

The city shut down.

The New York Times

Casinos were shut down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shut down" to indicate the termination of an activity, operation, or system. Be mindful of the context; it can apply to businesses, computers, or even emotional responses.

Common error

Avoid using "shut down" in overly formal or technical contexts where more precise terms like "deactivate" or "terminate" might be more suitable. Consider your audience and the register of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shut down" functions primarily as a verb of cessation, indicating the termination or deactivation of something. Ludwig examples show it used to describe closing businesses, powering off devices, or suppressing emotional responses. It's a versatile term applicable across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shut down" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb indicating the termination or deactivation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "shut down" and more formal synonyms like "terminate" or "cease operations". With a high frequency of occurrence in news media and general writing, "shut down" remains a relevant and useful term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close down

This alternative is a direct synonym emphasizing the cessation of operations or activities.

cease operations

This phrase is more formal and highlights the termination of business or functional activities.

terminate

A more formal term indicating the end of something, often used in official contexts.

power off

Specifically refers to turning off a device or system, typically electronic.

deactivate

Indicates making something inactive or non-functional, often used for systems or accounts.

close up shop

An idiomatic expression suggesting the closing of a business or enterprise, implying finality.

bring to a halt

Focuses on stopping movement or progress, applicable in various situations beyond just business.

discontinue

Suggests ceasing production or provision of something, often used for products or services.

bring the curtain down

This is an idiomatic expression implying the closing of an event or show.

put an end to

Emphasizes stopping something from continuing, applicable to various activities or processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "shut down" to describe the closing of a business (e.g., "The company had to "close down" the factory"), turning off a device (e.g., "Please "power off" the computer after use"), or ceasing an activity (e.g., "The project was "terminated" due to lack of funding").

What are some synonyms for "shut down"?

Alternatives for "shut down" include "close down", "power off", "terminate", "cease operations" and "deactivate", depending on the context.

Is "shut down" formal or informal?

"Shut down" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "terminate" or "cease operations" may be preferred in professional or academic settings.

When is it inappropriate to use "shut down"?

While versatile, avoid using "shut down" in contexts requiring highly technical or precise language. For instance, in legal documents, "terminate" might be more appropriate. Also avoid if you can phrases as "bring the curtain down" that are figurative or idiomatic.