turn the cable off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn the cable off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to deactivate or disconnect a cable, typically in the context of electronics or appliances. Example: "Before you start working on the device, make sure to turn the cable off to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Turn the cable off!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Turn the cable box around.

WikiHow

If there is one beep, turn the system off and plug the cable back into the motherboard display port.

WikiHow

Turn the power off and disconnect the power cable before removing the exterior casing.

WikiHow

"Turn the magnet off".

The New York Times

Turn the television off!

WikiHow

Follow her oNevertheless

Vice

How about you turn off the cable news shows, close your eyes, and just think about what you believe and who best represents those beliefs?

Huffington Post

Turn the power off on your computer and detach all the cables.

WikiHow

Turn the power off on your router (D-Link-DIR635) and modem (cable or DSL).

WikiHow

Turn off the cable news stations and desist from obsessively checking FiveThirtyEight.com.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "turn the cable off", specify which cable you are referring to, especially if multiple cables are present. For example, "Turn the power cable off" or "Turn the HDMI cable off".

Common error

Don't assume that "turn the cable off" always implies canceling a cable TV subscription. Be precise. If you mean to cancel the service, say "cancel the cable subscription" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn the cable off" functions as an imperative, used to instruct or direct someone to perform an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turn the cable off" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed imperative phrase, primarily functioning as a direct instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its register is generally neutral, fitting diverse contexts from casual guidance to technical documents. While widely understood, specifying the exact cable is recommended for clarity. Common usage includes disconnecting devices for safety, energy conservation, or troubleshooting. Alternatives such as "disconnect the cable" or "unplug the cable" exist but retain similar semantic intent. When writing instructions involving cables, remember that "turn the cable off" implies physical disconnection or power cessation, not necessarily service termination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconnect the cable

Focuses on the physical act of separating the cable connection.

unplug the cable

Emphasizes removing the cable from its power source or device.

switch off the cable

Uses "switch off" instead of "turn off", maintaining the same meaning.

shut off the cable

Uses "shut off" to convey the action of stopping the cable's operation.

power down the cable

Suggests cutting off the power supply to the cable or device.

deactivate the cable

Highlights the action of making the cable or service inactive.

disable the cable

Implies preventing the cable from functioning.

kill the cable connection

A more forceful way of saying to stop the cable's connection.

terminate the cable service

Focuses on ending the subscription or service associated with the cable.

cut the cable line

Emphasizes severing the physical cable connection, often permanent.

FAQs

What does "turn the cable off" mean?

It generally means to disconnect or deactivate a cable, typically to cut off power or signal to a device. For example, you might "turn the power off" by disconnecting the power cable.

What can I say instead of "turn the cable off"?

Alternatives include "disconnect the cable", "unplug the cable", or "switch off the cable", depending on the specific action you want to describe.

Is it safe to just "turn the cable off" without shutting down the device?

It depends on the device and the cable. For power cables, it's generally safer to properly shut down the device first. For signal cables like HDMI, it's usually safe to disconnect them without shutting down, but check the device's manual for specific instructions.

When should I "turn the cable off"?

You should "turn the cable off" when you need to cut power to a device for safety, when troubleshooting connection issues, or when moving or storing the device. It's also a good practice to "turn off the cable box" when not in use to save energy.