Differences between short out and shut out
Short out means to stop working due to an electrical problem or a malfunction, while shut out means to prevent someone or something from entering or participating in an activity.
Meanings and Definitions: short out vs shut out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Short out
- 1Short circuit.
The battery SHORTED OUT when it got wet.
Shut out
- 1Exclude.
You have to SHUT your feelings OUT to deal with it.
- 2Not allow a player or team to score.
The Dodgers SHUT OUT the Giants 3-0.
Usage Examples: short out, shut out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
short out
Example
If you spill water on your phone, it might short out.
Example
The old radio shorts out whenever it rains.
shut out
Example
She shut out her friends when she was upset.
Example
He shuts out his family when he's angry.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Short out
To fail to operate correctly or as intended due to a defect or damage.
Example
The printer malfunctioned and printed the wrong pages, causing a delay in the project.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shut out
To prevent someone or something from being included or considered.
Example
The new policy excludes employees who have been with the company for less than a year from receiving bonuses.
To prevent someone from entering a place or participating in an activity.
Example
The bouncer barred him from entering the club because he didn't have a valid ID.
To exclude or reject someone from a group or society.
Example
After the scandal, the community ostracized the politician and refused to support him in the election.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “shut”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in short out vs shut out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: short out or shut out?
In daily conversation, people use shut out more often than short out. This is because shut out can be used in various contexts, such as sports, relationships, and social events. On the other hand, short out is a technical term that is mainly used in discussions related to electronics or machinery.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of short out and shut out
Short out and shut out are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, short out may sound more technical or specialized, which could make it less appropriate for some informal settings.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of short out and shut out
The tone of short out and shut out can differ based on context. Short out often carries a negative or frustrated tone when referring to a malfunction or breakdown, while shut out can have a defensive or exclusionary tone, especially when referring to social situations or relationships.
