stayed shut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed shut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that remains closed or does not open, often in a physical context. Example: "Despite the loud noises outside, the door stayed shut throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The door stayed shut.

The New York Times - Books

The space stayed shut.

The New York Times

On 13 November they had stayed shut.

Independent

On our prospecting expeditions, whatever doors we closed stayed shut.

The New Yorker

We deferred to the man's age; the window stayed shut.

The New York Times - Travel

On another occasion, after three knocks, he finally spoke, but the door stayed shut.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The door stays shut.

The New York Times

Garage doors, all motorized, must stay shut.

The New York Times

The door before me stays shut.

The Guardian

Its tractors are dated; its shops stay shut on Mondays.

The Economist

Loners walk the halls or stay shut in their rooms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stayed shut" to emphasize a state of remaining closed, especially when describing doors, windows, or other physical barriers in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

While "stayed shut" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "remained closed" or "sealed" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed shut" primarily functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating a state of remaining closed. It combines the verb "stayed" (past tense of "stay") with the adjective "shut" to describe a condition or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stayed shut" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that remained closed. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions as a descriptive verb phrase, predominantly found in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable for general use, consider alternatives like "remained closed" in more formal settings. This phrase is best employed to emphasize the continued state of closure, especially for doors, windows, or barriers. It's a neutral expression, suitable for a wide audience, with its frequency reflecting its widespread usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained closed

Replaces "stayed" with "remained", emphasizing the continuation of being closed.

kept closed

Emphasizes the action of maintaining something in a closed state.

did not open

A straightforward and literal way of saying something remained closed.

was sealed

Suggests a more permanent or deliberate act of closing something.

remained sealed

Similar to "was sealed", but with a focus on the continuation of that state.

held fast

Implies a resistance to opening, often under pressure or force.

refused to open

Suggests an unwillingness or inability to open.

stayed fastened

Focuses on the fastening mechanism that kept something closed.

was bolted

Highlights the use of a bolt to keep something closed.

was locked

Emphasizes the use of a lock to secure something in a closed position.

FAQs

What does "stayed shut" mean?

The phrase "stayed shut" means that something remained closed and did not open. It typically describes a physical barrier like a door or window.

What can I say instead of "stayed shut"?

You can use alternatives like "remained closed", "kept closed", or "was sealed" depending on the context.

Is "stayed shut" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stayed shut" is grammatically correct. "Stayed" is the past tense of the verb "stay", and "shut" functions as an adjective describing the state of being closed.

In what contexts is "stayed shut" most appropriate?

The phrase "stayed shut" is often used in descriptive and narrative writing, particularly in news and media, to convey that something remained closed over a period of time. For more formal contexts, consider using "remained closed".