Phrasal verbs "shut off" vs "turn off"

Differences between shut off and turn off

Shut off and turn off are very similar in meaning, but shut off is often used for mechanical or electrical devices, while turn off can be used for both devices and non-devices.

Meanings and Definitions: shut off vs turn off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Shut off

  • 1Close, prevent access.

    They SHUT the water OFF while they did the repairs.

Turn off

  • 1Stop a machine.

    I TURNED the TV OFF and went to bed.

Usage Examples: shut off, turn off 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.

turn off

Example

Please turn off the lights before you leave the room.

Example

She turns off her phone during meetings.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shut off

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

Example

The city had to cut off the water supply due to a burst pipe.

To turn off or shut down an electronic device or machine.

Example

Before leaving the office, make sure to power down your computer and other devices.

kill the engine

To turn off a vehicle's engine.

Example

After arriving at the gas station, he killed the engine and got out to fill up the tank.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn off

switch off

To turn off an electronic device or machine.

Example

Before going to bed, she always makes sure to switch off her phone and laptop.

To turn off or close a computer or other electronic device.

Example

After finishing his work, he shut down his laptop and went to bed.

To turn off or shut down an electronic device or machine.

Example

Before leaving the house, she always makes sure to power off all the appliances to save energy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: shut off or turn off?

Both shut off and turn off are commonly used in daily conversation. However, turn off is slightly more common because it can be used in a wider range of contexts.

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

Both shut off and turn off are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, 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 turn off

The tone of shut off and turn off is generally neutral and practical. They are used to describe the action of stopping something from functioning or operating.

shut off & turn off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Shut off

Synonyms

Antonyms

Turn off

Synonyms

  • stop
  • disable
  • switch off
  • shut off
  • deactivate
  • power down
  • cut off

Antonyms

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