were shut out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were shut out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is excluded or prevented from entering or participating. Example: "Due to the heavy rain, many fans were shut out of the stadium and could not watch the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Other boroughs were shut out.

The New York Times

Reporters were shut out of the gym.

The New York Times

No wonder the Rangers were shut out.

The New York Times - Sports

The Austrians were shut out both days.

The New York Times - Sports

The Gators were shut out in the first half.

The New York Times - Sports

The Braves were shut out over the final six innings.

The New York Times

The 1909 Washington Senators were shut out 29 times.

The New York Times - Sports

The Sabres were shut out in their first two games.

The New York Times - Sports

The Dodgers were shut out until the seventh.

The New York Times - Sports

The Braves were shut out twice over that span.

The New York Times - Sports

Tomas Vokoun stopped 27 shots, but the Panthers were shut out for the second straight night.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were shut out" in sports contexts, ensure it clearly conveys the idea of not scoring any points. For instance, "The team were shut out in the second half, failing to score any goals."

Common error

Avoid using "were shut out" in contexts where simple exclusion is meant without the implication of a missed opportunity or a contest. Instead of saying "Private investors were shut out of the meeting", it's more accurate to say "Private investors were excluded from the meeting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were shut out" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of an action, specifically being excluded or prevented from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were shut out" is a common and grammatically sound way to express exclusion or prevention, particularly in sports and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples provided highlight its versatility across different domains. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context to avoid misapplication. For alternatives, consider phrases like "were excluded" or "were denied access" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Keep in mind, that this phrase should be used carefully in order to prevent misunderstandings about the real usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were excluded

Focuses on the act of being excluded or prevented from participating.

were locked out

Implies a physical or metaphorical barrier preventing access.

were blocked

Suggests an obstruction or impediment that prevents progress or access.

were denied access

Emphasizes the refusal of entry or participation.

were prevented from entering

Highlights the action of stopping someone or something from going in.

were kept out

Focuses on the state of being prevented from entering or joining.

were unsuccessful

Indicates a lack of success or achievement in a specific endeavor.

did not score

Specifically used in sports contexts to indicate a lack of points.

were defeated

Suggests a loss or failure in a competition or contest.

were left out

Highlights the act of being omitted or not included.

FAQs

What does it mean when something or someone "were shut out"?

It generally means they were excluded, prevented from participating, or, in sports, failed to score any points.

What's a good alternative to saying "were shut out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "were excluded", "were locked out", or "were denied access".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "were shut out"?

It's commonly used in sports to describe a team's failure to score, in politics to describe exclusion from negotiations or decisions, and in general contexts to denote being prevented from accessing something.

Is "were shut out" formal or informal language?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is most frequently found in news reporting and sports commentary.