turning off

USAGE SUMMARY

"turning off" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to shut or switch off something (e.g. a device, electrical appliance, etc.). Example: "After using the computer, make sure to turn it off to save energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, OFF state should result from turning off the field.

Nanoscale Research Letters

I'm turning off my cell.

The New York Times - Travel

"Turning off that dead gene.

The New York Times - Science

Turning off the lights.

The New Yorker

Turning off lights.

The Guardian

Is the commercialism turning off readers?

The New York Times - Magazine

Simmer 15 min. turning off heat.

Cornell University

Why doesn't turning off subpixel averaging work?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'm turning off the light.

The New Yorker

Turning off the TV won't do much.

The New York Times - Magazine

Turning off the taps comes to mind.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "turning off", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being deactivated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "turning off the lights" or "turning off the device".

Common error

Avoid using "turning off" in passive constructions where the agent is unclear. For example, instead of "The machine was turning off", prefer "Someone was turning off the machine" or "The machine was shutting down".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning off" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of deactivating or stopping something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness and common application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning off" is a versatile gerund phrase used to describe the action of deactivating or stopping something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying what is being turned off. Remember that while "turning off" is a general term, alternatives like "shutting down" or "deactivating" might be more appropriate in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

switching off

Focuses on the action of operating a switch to deactivate something.

deactivating

Implies a more formal or technical process of making something inactive.

shutting down

Specifically refers to stopping the operation of a machine or system.

powering down

Emphasizes the reduction of power to stop a device.

disabling

Highlights the act of making something unable to function.

ceasing operation

A formal way of saying something is no longer running or functioning.

halting

Implies a sudden or abrupt stop to an ongoing process.

suspending

Suggests a temporary stop, with the possibility of resuming later.

disconnecting

Refers to breaking a connection, often electrical or network-related.

putting out

Commonly used in the context of extinguishing a fire or light.

FAQs

How can I use "turning off" in a sentence?

"Turning off" is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun. For example, "Turning off the lights before leaving the room saves energy" or "The sudden "turning off the engine" caused the car to stall.

What can I say instead of "turning off"?

You can use alternatives like "switching off", "deactivating", or "shutting down" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "turning off the lights" or "turn off the lights"?

"Turning off the lights" uses the gerund form, often acting as a noun (e.g. "Turning off the lights is important"). "Turn off the lights" is an imperative verb phrase used as a command or instruction.

What's the difference between "turning off" and "shutting down"?

"Turning off" is a general term for deactivating something. "Shutting down" typically refers to the process of stopping a machine or system, often in a controlled manner. For example, you might say "turning off a lamp" but "shutting down a computer".