shut off vs cut off

Both 'shut off' and 'cut off' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Shut off' is commonly used when referring to turning off a device or a power source, while 'cut off' is used when something is physically separated or disconnected. They are not interchangeable and have distinct meanings.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 895 views

The phrase 'shut off' is correct and commonly used in English, especially when referring to turning off a device or a power source.

"shut off"

Use 'shut off' when you want to indicate the action of turning off a device, appliance, or power source. It is often used in contexts like 'Please shut off the lights before leaving.'

Examples:

Don't forget to shut off the TV before you go to bed.
The automatic timer will shut off the sprinklers at 6 p.m.
I need to shut off my phone during the meeting.
Can you shut off the engine while we wait?
Remember to shut off the water before you leave the house.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well first we got to shut off whatever's making that noise.
You might want to shut off those automatic sprinklers, folks.
I'll shut off the water.
Maybe we should just shut off the main line for now.
Don't try to shut off the pow...
Or we could find the breaker box and shut off the power.
It's not designed to be shut off.
Without it, the mind is shut off.
I need these cameras shut off and a moment with my client.
The engines have shut off on their own.
His emotions have been shut off.
Gas and electricity meters will be shut off.
He just kept pushing my buttons Until my brain shut off.
Now I need you to shut off your car...
Jennifer and Rory must've shut off the underground cooling vents.
Seems that someone forgot to shut off the video conferencing to Pindar last night.
All the energy rods have been shut off.
Xeno, shut off all the lights.
Meanwhile, Billy's cell has been shut off for 18 hours.
If a consultant desires he can use the Gold Key to shut off one or more bed units.

Alternatives:

turn off
power down
switch off
close down
shut down

The phrase 'cut off' is correct and commonly used in English, especially when something is physically separated or disconnected.

"cut off"

Use 'cut off' when you want to indicate the action of physically severing or disconnecting something. It is often used in contexts like 'The storm cut off power to the entire neighborhood.'

Examples:

The fallen tree cut off access to the road.
The phone company cut off our service due to non-payment.
The floodwaters cut off the town from the rest of the region.
She was cut off in the middle of her sentence.
The scissors accidentally cut off the corner of the paper.

Show examples from the web [+]

Here comes the surgeon to cut off your hand...
To cut off the rebels' supplies.
We set traps back here... cut off the incoming pass.
Although they were smart enough to cut off all contact since the surgery.
Step forward so I can cut off one of your arms.
Dillinger's cut off everybody with Group-7 access.
Juma's cut off our communication.
All popcorn supply lines have been cut off.
And watching people having their heads cut off.
Switches shall simultaneously cut off all live conductors.
Father remarried and cut off all contact.
Our little red-headed friend is cut off.
Whoever cut off Corporal Porter's hand...
Robert cut off my credit card.
He was so drunk he nearly cut off the wrong leg.
His arms and legs were cut off.
The engines are cut off from the bridge.
Maybe I'll cut off your nose first.
There's no water and they cut off electricity.
So you did cut off his...

Alternatives:

sever
disconnect
isolate
block off
interrupt

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

shut off vs cut off

"shut off"

"cut off"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text