"cut off" vs "shut off"

Question

"cut off" vs "shut 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

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.

Alternatives:

sever
disconnect
isolate
block off
interrupt

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.

Alternatives:

turn off
power down
switch off
close down
shut down

Answer 1

cut off

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

Answer 2

shut off

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

"cut off" vs "shut off"

cut off

shut off

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