the lights out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lights out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a situation where the lights are turned off or not functioning, often in the context of a power outage or a specific event. Example: "When the storm hit, we had to sit in the dark with the lights out until the power was restored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't let them turn the lights out, dears.

The Guardian - Books

And when the time comes, as they say, the last person turn the lights out".

The New York Times

I turned the lights out and shut the big sliding door.

The New York Times

We had to put the cars behind the house, keep the lights out and so on".

The New York Times - Magazine

"December was like somebody turned the lights out," she said in a conference call with analysts.

The New York Times

"I think you're going to shoot the lights out," he told her.

The New Yorker

"They're going to have to turn the lights out to get us to trade electronically".

The New York Times

It's not as simple as getting into bed, turning the lights out, and getting it on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Back to article (5) During encores, Wilson turns the lights out but doesn't leave the stage.

The Guardian - Music

And shoot the lights out: 57.4 percent for the game, including 10 of 20 3-pointers.

The New York Times - Sports

"They shot the lights out and beat us off the dribble so many times".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the lights out" figuratively, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning. For example, "the news put the lights out on their hopes" means it extinguished their hopes.

Common error

Avoid using "the lights out" in contexts where the intended meaning is unclear or could be misinterpreted. Ensure the figurative sense aligns with the situation being described to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lights out" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjunct describing a state or situation characterized by the absence of light. As per Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lights out" is a versatile phrase used to describe the absence of light, whether literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in conveying the intended meaning, especially in figurative contexts. Consider related phrases like "lights off" or "power outage" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lights off

A shortened version, directly indicating the lights are not on.

lights are off

A simple and direct statement that there is no light.

lights extinguished

A more formal way of saying the lights have been turned off.

blackout

Suggests a widespread power failure.

power outage

Focuses on the reason why the lights might be off (lack of electricity).

power failure

Similar to power outage, indicating a malfunction in the electrical system.

lights deactivated

A technical way of expressing the lights being turned off.

darkness

Describes the state resulting from the absence of light.

electricity cut

Highlights the interruption of the electrical supply.

no illumination

Emphasizes the lack of light in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "the lights out" in a sentence?

You can use "the lights out" to describe a situation where there is no light, such as "We sat in silence with "the lights out" during the storm" or to describe figurative situations such as "The bad news put "the lights out" on their plans".

What's a more formal alternative to "the lights out"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "illumination ceased" or "absence of light" depending on the specific context. However, keep in mind that "the lights out" is generally acceptable in most situations.

Is it correct to say "the light out" instead of "the lights out"?

No, "the light out" is not grammatically correct. You should always use ""the lights out"" when referring to multiple light sources being off or a general lack of illumination.

What does it mean when someone says "they shot the lights out"?

The expression "shot "the lights out"" is an idiom that means someone performed exceptionally well, especially in sports. It doesn't literally refer to lights being broken.