were turned off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were turned off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state where something has been deactivated or switched off, often referring to devices or systems. Example: "The lights in the conference room were turned off after the meeting ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Street lights were turned off.

The New York Times

Jacuzzis were turned off.

The New York Times

The ceiling lights were turned off.

The New Yorker

The televisions were turned off.

The New York Times - Sports

We think people were turned off".

The New York Times

Fountains were turned off to save water.

The New York Times - Travel

Candles were set up, and other lights were turned off.

The New Yorker

The television screens and betting machines were turned off.

The New York Times

Inside the cafe, the lights were turned off.

Independent

Friday, he said, "their phones were turned off".

The New York Times

Friday, when, he said, "their phones were turned off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the deactivation of devices or systems, use "were turned off" for clarity and common understanding. This phrase is suitable for a broad range of contexts from technical manuals to everyday conversation.

Common error

While "were turned off" is widely understood, in highly formal or technical contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "were deactivated", "were disabled", or "were shut down" to convey specific meanings and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were turned off" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent an action, specifically the action of being switched or deactivated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The examples demonstrate its role in describing the state of various items, from lights to machinery, after being deactivated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

58%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were turned off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates something has been deactivated. As Ludwig AI validates, its prevalence spans across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, consider opting for more formal alternatives like "deactivated" or "disabled" in highly professional or technical settings. The numerous examples Ludwig provides showcase the broad applicability of this phrase and its role in communicating a planned cessation of function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were deactivated

Replaces "turned off" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the action of deactivation.

were switched off

Uses "switched" instead of "turned", suggesting a more direct, often electrical, shut down.

were shut down

Implies a complete cessation of operation, often used for systems or processes.

were powered down

Specifically refers to cutting off the power supply.

were disabled

Focuses on the inability to function, whether intentional or not.

were disengaged

Suggests a disconnection or release from a working state.

were disconnected

Emphasizes a physical break in connection.

were stopped

A more general term indicating a halt in activity.

were rejected

Indicates being unwanted or refused.

were dissuaded

Suggests being discouraged or convinced not to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "were turned off" in a sentence?

The phrase "were turned off" indicates that something was deactivated. For example, "The lights "were turned off" after the meeting", or "The machine "was turned off" for maintenance".

What's a more formal alternative to "were turned off"?

For more formal writing, you could use phrases like "were deactivated", "were disabled", or "were shut down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was turned off" instead of "were turned off"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "was turned off" for a singular subject (e.g., "The light was turned off"), and "were turned off" for a plural subject (e.g., "The lights were turned off").

What is the difference between "were turned off" and "stopped working"?

"Were turned off" implies a deliberate action to deactivate something, while "stopped working" suggests a malfunction or failure. For example, "The computer "was turned off" for the night", but "The computer "stopped working" due to a virus".