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Phrasal verbs "shut off" vs "shut out"

Differences between shut off and shut out

Shut off means to turn off a machine or a device, while shut out means to exclude someone or something from a place or an activity.

Meanings and Definitions: shut off vs shut out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Shut off

  • 1Close, prevent access.

    They SHUT the water OFF while they did the repairs.

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 off, shut out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

shut off

Example

Please shut off the lights before you leave the room.

Example

He shuts off the water supply when he goes on vacation.

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 off

To stop the operation of a machine or a device.

Example

Before leaving the house, make sure to turn off all the lights and appliances.

To interrupt or stop the flow of something, such as water or electricity.

Example

The heavy rain cut off the electricity supply in the neighborhood for several hours.

To shut down a computer or a device by cutting off its power source.

Example

After finishing your work, remember to power down your computer to save energy.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shut out

To prevent someone or something from entering or participating in a group or an activity.

Example

The new immigration policy excludes people from certain countries from entering the country.

To block or prohibit access to a place or an opportunity.

Example

The bouncer barred the underage customers from entering the nightclub.

To refuse or decline someone or something, often due to a lack of qualification or compatibility.

Example

The university rejected his application because he didn't meet the admission requirements.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

Differences in shut off vs shut out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: shut off or shut out?

In daily conversation, people use shut off more often than shut out. This is because shut off is used for more daily tasks and routines such as turning off the lights or the TV. Shut out is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about excluding someone or something from a place or an activity. So, while both phrases are used, shut off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shut off and shut out

Shut off 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 off and shut out

The tone of shut off and shut out can differ based on context. Shut off often carries a practical or neutral tone when related to turning off devices or machines, while shut out typically has a negative or defensive tone, especially when referring to excluding people or ideas.

shut off & shut out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Shut off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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