shuts like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shuts like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the manner in which something closes, often in a comparative sense. Example: "The door shuts like a vault, ensuring complete security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In much the same way, the slowly closing eye of "Blink" shuts "like canopy lowering to rain", the tear subsequently shed likened to the shape of a breaker, "un- / breaking across a round sea...".

The Guardian - Books

My mouth opens and shuts like a fish.

The Guardian - Travel

She opens and shuts like a sea anemone.

The Guardian - Books

The oyster-shaped hut opens and shuts like a shell and is encased by bumpy copper tiles, which will weather to a sea green.

The Guardian - Travel

My mind, perceptive as it is, knows that I am trying to capture its fickle muse; so it shuts like a clam.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And slams the lid shut, like, "Oops," and opens it one more time, and hope pops out of the box.

The New York Times

Might it snap shut like a clapperboard?

Independent

She clapped the phone shut like a castanet.

The New Yorker

The silver lighter snapped shut like a scared turtle.

The New York Times

Between its abutments were ten piers, framing eleven gates that could be lifted or dropped, opened or shut, like windows.

The New Yorker

And I like when I give you the nightfeed, Harvey, how you're really concentrating on it: fists clenched, eyes shut, like this is bliss.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shuts like" to create vivid comparisons, helping readers visualize the manner of closing. For example, "The book shuts like a vault, protecting its secrets."

Common error

Avoid using "shuts like" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptive language with synonyms such as "closes as", "seals like", or more specific verbs to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shuts like" functions as a simile, comparing the action of something closing to the characteristics of another object or action. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this comparison in various contexts, describing how things close in a similar manner to something else.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shuts like" functions as a simile to create vivid comparisons of closing actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but can also appear in more formal or informal settings. To maintain writing quality, it's advisable to vary descriptive language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives such as "closes as" or "seals like" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shuts the same as

This alternative replaces the word "like" with "the same as".

seals shut like

Similar meaning, but replaces "shuts" with "seals shut" to add emphasis.

closes just as

Replaces "like" with "just as" and maintains the verb "closes".

closes in a similar manner to

This alternative replaces "shuts" with "closes" and rephrases "like" with a more formal structure.

snaps shut in the fashion of

Adds emphasis with "snaps shut" and uses a more formal comparative phrase.

seals as

This uses "seals" to emphasize the act of closing tightly, changing the verb and the comparative word.

closes with the action of

This phrase replaces the word "like" with "with the action of" and maintains the verb "closes".

fastens similarly to

This alternative uses "fastens" to indicate securing something closed, altering both verb and comparison.

seals tightly as

This changes the word "shuts" with "seals tightly" and replaces the word "like" with "as".

seals up in the same way as

This alternative replaces "shuts" with "seals up" to imply complete closure.

FAQs

How can I use "shuts like" in a sentence?

Use "shuts like" to compare the way something closes to something else. For example, "The door "shuts like a trap", making it difficult to escape".

What are some alternatives to "shuts like"?

You can use phrases such as "closes as", "seals like", or "fastens as" to vary your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is "shuts like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "shuts like" is grammatically correct when used to form a simile, comparing the action of closing to something else. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "shuts like" and "closes like"?

"Shuts like" and "closes like" are very similar. "Shuts" implies a more forceful or complete closing action compared to the more general term "closes". Therefore, "shuts like" may be more appropriate when describing something that closes quickly or securely.