What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shutoff
Example
Please remember to shutoff the lights before leaving the room. [shutoff: verb]
Example
The shutoff valve is located near the water heater. [shutoff: noun]
stopcock
Example
The plumber replaced the old stopcock with a new one. [stopcock: noun]
Example
Turn the stopcock to stop the flow of gas. [stopcock: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shutoff is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while stopcock is more technical and commonly used in plumbing or laboratory settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shutoff and stopcock?
Stopcock is a more formal term than shutoff, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
