wall off

USAGE SUMMARY

"wall off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used in the context of building a physical barrier that has the purpose of separating one area from another. You can use it in a sentence like this "We need to wall off the garden to keep the stray cats out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Why wall off such precious space?

The New York Times - Magazine

In the passing game, Claiborne excels at using his body to wall off receivers.

The New York Times

American chestnuts had the ability to wall off diseased areas, but moved too slowly.

The New York Times

Excluding China from America's financial system would wall off a big customer for its own debt.

The Economist

It would also wall off the field on the street sides.

The New York Times

Peering deeper, she noticed that their white blood cells tried to wall off the fungus.

Independent

For over a thousand years, they have tried to wall off the ocean.

The New York Times

To wall off interlopers, you can secure the connection with encryption and a password.

The New York Times - Tech

The campaign Web site reflects a desire to wall off the personal and the political.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

MRI is beneficial in evaluation of the extent of disease and may demonstrate peripheral enhancement and abscess formation as the granuloma tries to wall-off the inciting antigen.

Insights into Imaging

In response to the invasion, the host will "wall-off" the site of the infection by aggregating immune cells in a compact granuloma, a hallmark of TB.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wall off" when you want to emphasize the act of creating a distinct barrier, whether physical or metaphorical, to isolate or protect something.

Common error

Avoid using "wall off" when a simple separation or division is sufficient. The phrase implies a more deliberate and often forceful act of creating a barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "wall off" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of creating a barrier or separation. As Ludwig examples show, this barrier can be physical, like building a wall, or metaphorical, like emotionally isolating oneself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "wall off" denotes the act of creating a barrier or separation, whether physical or metaphorical. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki, showcasing its versatility across contexts. It serves the purpose of describing deliberate separation for protection or containment, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various communication settings. To avoid misuse, ensure the context genuinely involves creating a significant barrier, rather than a simple separation. Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate both the literal and figurative applications of "wall off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seal off

Emphasizes making something completely inaccessible.

isolate

Focuses on setting something apart to prevent contact.

cordon off

Often used in the context of restricting access to an area, typically by authorities.

block off

Implies obstructing passage or visibility.

separate

General term for creating a division or barrier.

barricade

Indicates creating a defensive barrier.

fence off

Specifically refers to using a fence as a barrier.

encircle

Focuses on creating a barrier around something.

partition

Suggests dividing something into sections.

screen off

Implies using a screen or similar structure to create a division.

FAQs

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

You can use "wall off" to describe physically separating an area, as in "They plan to wall off part of the lobby to create a playroom." It can also be used metaphorically, like "The campaign website reflects a desire to wall off the personal and the political."

What are some alternatives to "wall off"?

Alternatives to "wall off" include "separate", "isolate", or "seal off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wall off" formal or informal?

"Wall off" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What does it mean to "wall off" something in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, to "wall off" something means to create a barrier, often psychological or emotional, to isolate or protect it. For example, one might "wall off" painful memories as a coping mechanism.