Differences between shut in and shut out
Shut in means to confine or keep someone or something inside a place, while shut out means to exclude or prevent someone or something from entering a place.
Meanings and Definitions: shut in vs shut out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Shut in
- 1Prevent someone from leaving.
I SHUT the cat IN until it was time to go to the vet.
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: shut in, shut out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
shut in
Example
She shut the dog in the room to keep it away from the guests.
Example
He shuts in the cat every night to prevent it from going outside.
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 Shut in
To restrict or limit someone or something's movement or freedom by keeping them in a specific place.
Example
Due to the heavy snowstorm, they had to confine themselves to their house for two days.
lock up
To secure or fasten a place or object by locking it.
Example
Before leaving the store, the manager made sure to lock up all the doors and windows.
To catch or confine someone or something in a place or situation from which they cannot escape.
Example
The hiker got trapped in a narrow canyon and had to wait for rescue.
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 block or prevent someone or something from entering a place or participating in an activity.
Example
The bouncer barred the underage customers from entering the nightclub.
To refuse to accept or consider someone or something.
Example
The publisher rejected the author's manuscript due to its poor quality.
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 shut in vs shut out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shut in or shut out?
In everyday conversation, people use shut out more often than shut in. This is because shut out is used in various contexts such as sports, relationships, and politics. Shut in is not used as much, and it's mainly used when we're talking about confining someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, shut out is more common in daily conversations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shut in and shut out
Shut in and shut out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shut in and shut out
The tone of shut in and shut out can differ based on context. Shut in often carries a negative or restrictive tone when related to confining someone or something, while shut out typically has a defensive or exclusionary tone, especially when referring to preventing someone or something from entering a place.
