welded shut

USAGE SUMMARY

"welded shut" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like this: "The door to the barn had been welded shut to prevent intruders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The box was welded shut.

The New York Times

Detonators were then loaded and the rockets were welded shut.

The New Yorker

DESERTED streets, drains welded shut, fighters patrolling the sky.

The Economist

Happiness is a cork-lined cocoon nestled cozily in an echo chamber, door welded shut.

The Economist

The missile silo doors, typically welded shut, are blanketed with snow.

The New York Times

They fluttered around manhole covers that had been welded shut for security's sake.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Workers have been busy boarding up the dilapidated buildings and welding shut manhole covers to protect visitors from lead paint and asbestos in the buildings and the aging steam tunnels that run underground.

The New York Times

The Israeli army closed the University of Hebron and Palestine Polytechnic University, reportedly welding shut the doors and preventing students and faculty from entering.

Vice

They welded hatches shut to prevent inspection.

The New York Times

Run-away robots started welding doors shut at the new Detroit-Hamtramck Cadillac plant.

The Economist

In that case, the only solution was to use heavy machinery to pull the pipes close enough together to weld them shut.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or figurative situations, consider if the literal image of "welded shut" accurately conveys the intended meaning. Sometimes, a less literal phrase may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "welded shut" to describe closures that don't involve metal or welding. For example, saying "his heart was welded shut" might sound awkward; consider alternatives like "his heart was sealed off" or "his heart was closed off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "welded shut" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the state of being closed and secured through welding. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "welded shut" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that describes something as being permanently and securely closed, typically using welding. It is found most frequently in news and media contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While it can be used figuratively, it's best to reserve it for scenarios that involve physical closure or sealing. When considering alternatives, options like "sealed tight" or "firmly sealed" can provide similar meaning while avoiding the literal image of welding. The usage frequency is very common and the phrase should be familiar to native English speakers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sealed tight

Emphasizes the complete closure and impermeability of the seal.

firmly sealed

Highlights the strength and security of the sealing.

closed securely

Focuses on the secure nature of the closure, preventing access.

hermetically sealed

Suggests an airtight closure, often used for preservation.

fused together

Implies a merging of materials, creating a solid, inseparable bond.

soldered closed

Describes a closure made with solder, creating a strong bond.

brazed shut

Indicates a closure made using brazing, a high-temperature joining process.

locked tight

Specifies that the closure is not only closed but also locked for added security.

inaccessibly closed

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of opening or accessing the closed object.

permanently closed

Emphasizes that the closure is intended to be lasting and irreversible.

FAQs

How can I use "welded shut" in a sentence?

You can use "welded shut" to describe something that has been permanently or very securely closed, often using welding. For instance, "The container was "sealed shut" to prevent any leakage" or "The entrance was "blocked shut" to keep intruders out".

What are some alternatives to "welded shut"?

Some alternatives include "sealed tight", "firmly sealed", or "fused together", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "welded shut" in a figurative sense?

Yes, but use it carefully. While "welded shut" can be used figuratively to describe something that is irrevocably closed or inaccessible, ensure that the image of welding adds to the meaning rather than sounding awkward. For example, "That window, which has long been closed, is now "permanently closed" by a secure fusion of filing deadlines and logistical realities."

What's the difference between "welded shut" and "sealed shut"?

"Welded shut" specifically implies the use of welding to create a permanent closure, typically involving metal. "Sealed shut" is a more general term indicating that something has been closed securely, possibly by any method. You might choose "sealed shut" when the method of closure is not relevant or not welding.