shut off

USAGE SUMMARY

'shut off' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used as a verb and it means to turn something off, disconnect it from a power source, or stop its operation. For example: "I shut off the television before going to bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They basically shut off.

The New York Times

It doesn't shut off.

The New York Times

She shut off the lights.

The New York Times

Then the lights shut off.

The New Yorker

No, it won't shut off.

The New Yorker

It was all shut off.

The New York Times

Suddenly, the lights shut off.

The New Yorker

Shut off heat. 4.

The New York Times

You just shut off".

The Guardian - Music

I don't shut off.

The Guardian

Throughout the afternoon, it never shut off.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to stop using an appliance, use "shut off" to emphasize the complete cessation of its operation, such as "Shut off the oven after baking."

Common error

Avoid using "shut off" when "turn off" or "switch off" would be more appropriate. "Shut off" often implies a more forceful or complete cessation of operation, while the others are more general.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shut off" is as a transitive phrasal verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning (e.g., "shut off the lights"). Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, confirming its active use in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

27%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shut off" functions as a versatile phrasal verb with the core meaning of stopping operation or flow. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While interchangeable with "turn off" in some contexts, "shut off" often implies a more decisive action. It maintains a neutral to slightly informal register, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize a complete cessation of operation, and consider context when choosing between it and similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn off

More general term for stopping the function of something, applicable to a wider range of devices and situations.

switch off

Similar to "turn off", but specifically implies using a switch.

power down

More technical term, often used for electronic devices, implying a controlled shutdown.

deactivate

Suggests making something inactive, often used in security or technical contexts.

disable

Similar to "deactivate", but can also refer to permanently preventing something from working.

halt

More formal term for stopping an action or process.

cease operation

Formal and technical, used in official or business contexts.

close down

Implies a more permanent cessation of activity, often used for businesses or systems.

cut off

Suggests a sudden and forceful termination, often used for supplies or connections.

suspend

Implies a temporary interruption, with the possibility of resuming later.

FAQs

How is "shut off" used in a sentence?

"Shut off" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of stopping the flow or operation of something. For example, "Please "shut off" the lights when you leave the room."

What's the difference between "shut off" and "turn off"?

While both phrases are similar, "shut off" often implies a more complete or forceful cessation, especially with valves or systems, while "turn off" is more general. You might "turn off" a TV, but "shut off" the water supply.

Which is more formal, "shut off" or "turn off"?

"Turn off" is generally considered more neutral and widely applicable, while "shut off" can sometimes sound slightly more technical or urgent, depending on the context. However, both are acceptable in most situations.

What can I say instead of "shut off" in a technical context?

In technical contexts, consider using alternatives like "deactivate", "disable", or "power down". These terms often convey a more precise meaning depending on the system being controlled.