was shut down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was shut down" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express that something has been ended or stopped, often without the possibility of restarting. Example sentence: After failing to reach safety standards, the factory was shut down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was shut down.

The New York Times

The Destiny was shut down.

The New York Times

The lab was shut down.

The New Yorker

The factory was shut down.

The New York Times

SoHo was shut down.

The New York Times

The Lakeland music park was shut down.

The New York Times - Arts

It was shut down in 2014.

The Economist

Silk Road was shut down last year.

The Economist

Megaupload was shut down last January.

The New York Times - Tech

The KBS Web site was shut down.

The New York Times

Kathmandu's international airport was shut down.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was shut down" to clearly and directly indicate that an entity, system, or process has been stopped or terminated. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about why it was shut down for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "was shut down" when a temporary suspension or closure is intended. Instead, opt for phrases like "was temporarily suspended" or "was briefly closed" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was shut down" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that an entity or process experienced the action of being shut down by an external force or decision. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was shut down" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the cessation or termination of an entity, process, or system. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the idea of something being stopped, often implying a deliberate action. While its register is generally neutral, it's most commonly encountered in news and media contexts. Remember to use it accurately, distinguishing it from temporary closures. Using alternatives like ""was closed"" or ""was terminated"" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. Also, Ludwig's diverse examples highlight the phrase's versatility and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was closed

This alternative is more general, indicating that something is no longer open or accessible.

was terminated

This alternative is more formal, suggesting a definitive and often official end.

was discontinued

This alternative implies that something is no longer being produced or offered.

was suspended

This alternative suggests a temporary halt, with the possibility of resumption.

was ceased

This alternative is a more formal way of saying 'stopped'.

was deactivated

This alternative applies when something electronic or mechanical is made inactive.

was decommissioned

This alternative is often used when a piece of equipment or a facility is taken out of service.

was brought to a halt

This alternative emphasizes the action of stopping something.

was forced to close

This alternative indicates external pressure leading to the closure.

was put out of business

This alternative specifically refers to a business that has ceased operations.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "was shut down"?

When something "was shut down", it means it has been stopped or terminated, often indicating that it is no longer in operation or accessible.

What can I say instead of "was shut down"?

You can use alternatives like "was closed", "was terminated", or "was discontinued" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was shut down"?

Yes, "was shut down" is grammatically correct. It's the passive voice construction of the verb phrase "shut down".

What's the difference between "was shut down" and ""was closed""?

While both indicate that something is no longer accessible, "was shut down" often implies a more forceful or deliberate action, while ""was closed"" can be more general.