A2verb2K

Shut

UK /["/ʃʌt/","/ʃʌts/","/ˈʃʌtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ʃʌt/","/ʃʌts/","/ˈʃʌtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to close something; to become closed

In simple words: To close something, like a door or a box.

Examples

  • Please shut the door quietly when you leave.
  • It's getting cold outside; can you shut the window?
  • He told her to shut her laptop and focus on the meeting.
  • After hours of discussion, the committee decided to shut down the project.
  • Every time she talks too loudly, I have to shut my ears.
  • The store will shut for renovations next week.
  • He shut her down with a simple 'no' during the debate.
  • When the lights shut off, we all held our breath in surprise.

Usage notes

Commonly used in everyday conversation for closing doors or windows. It's less formal and would not be appropriate in formal writing. 'Shut' can also imply stopping an action.

Grammar pattern

shut + object

Memory hint

Imagine your mouth shuts tight like a door closing.

Collocations

  • shut the door
  • shut your mouth
  • shut down
  • shut the window
  • shut it

Synonyms

  • close
  • seal
  • fasten
  • secure
  • trap

Antonyms

  • open

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'shut' with 'close', as they can have different contexts.
  • Using 'shut' with non-physical objects incorrectly (e.g., 'shut the idea').
  • Incorrectly using 'shut' in passive constructions.