shut me out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shut me out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action whereby someone has been excluded or prevented from participating in something. For example, "My boss shut me out of the meeting, even though I had been invited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

HuffPost

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Don't shut me out".

The New York Times

"He shut me out in a way.

The New York Times - Books

But no one's going to shut me out".

The New York Times

Peter was a big man in the sense that he didn't shut me out after that.

The New York Times - Arts

Cates, who, until then, had been distractedly answering my questions, completely shut me out and gave his full attention to his old friend.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would have been natural for my mother to try to shield me from worry or complication or shut me out from examining her income and other data that many parents might deem to be none of my business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Why are you shutting me out?

The New Yorker

"He made a smart move in that way, as opposed to shutting me out and making me feel like we were at war".

The New York Times

You repay my support by shutting me out, Rachel.

HuffPost

No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends.

Huffington Post

"Instead of saying... 'Oh, my teen always shuts me out,' I always tell the parent, 'Well, what's the energy you're bringing while you knock on the door?'" Shefali says.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shut me out" to express being excluded from emotional intimacy, communication, or decision-making processes. It effectively conveys a sense of being deliberately kept apart.

Common error

While "shut me out" is acceptable in many situations, it might be too informal for certain professional or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "excluded me" or "did not include me" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shut me out" functions as a phrasal verb, where 'shut' acts as the verb and 'out' as the particle. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the act of excluding someone, preventing them from participating, or cutting off communication. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the phrasal verb "shut me out" is a common and grammatically sound way to express exclusion or being deliberately kept apart. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's best to consider formality when choosing alternatives like "excluded me" in professional settings. The phrase's frequent usage underscores its effectiveness in conveying a sense of emotional or communicative separation. Remember to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "shut me out" and similar alternatives like "leave me out" or "ostracize me".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclude me

Focuses directly on the act of being left out.

leave me out

A more casual way of expressing exclusion from an activity or group.

freeze me out

Suggests a cold or indifferent manner of exclusion.

ostracize me

Implies a more severe and deliberate form of social exclusion.

shut me off

Implies a sudden and complete severing of communication or connection.

cut me off

Similar to "shut me off", but can also imply a more gradual disconnection.

isolate me

Highlights the resulting state of being alone and separated.

reject me

Focuses on the act of being refused or denied acceptance.

disregard me

Suggests a lack of consideration or attention, leading to exclusion.

ignore me

A simple and direct way of expressing that someone is not paying attention to you, leading to exclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "shut me out" in a sentence?

You can use "shut me out" to describe being excluded from a conversation, activity, or relationship. For example, "He started to "shut me out" after the argument, refusing to speak to me."

What's a more formal way to say "shut me out"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "excluded me", "did not include me", or "marginalized me". These alternatives offer a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it always negative to be "shut out"?

Yes, the phrase "shut me out" generally carries a negative connotation, implying that the exclusion was unwanted or unfair. It suggests a deliberate act of separation or withholding.

What's the difference between "shut me out" and "left me out"?

"Shut me out" often implies a more deliberate and complete exclusion, possibly due to emotional distance or conflict. "Left me out" is a broader term and can simply mean not being included, without necessarily implying negative intent or strong emotions.