SHUT OUT

National Parks

📖 Definition

To shut out is to prevent entry or to exclude something or someone from a place or a situation, intentionally or unintentionally.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To shut out is to prevent entry or to exclude something or someone from a place or a situation, intentionally or unintentionally.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can be placed between or after the verb and particle.
Register
Neutral
Appropriate for most contexts where exclusion is discussed.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object that is being excluded.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple shut out They often shut out distractions to focus on work.
Past Simple shut out He shut out negative comments during the competition.
Present Continuous shutting out She is shutting out the noise to meditate.
Present Perfect have shut out They have shut out all external influences this year.

💡 When to Use

Avoiding distractions
Use when actively preventing distractions from interfering with tasks or concentration.
Example: "I shut out all noise while studying."
Excluding people
Use when deliberately not allowing someone to participate or be involved in an event.
Example: "They were shut out from the meeting."
Overcoming negativity
Use when ignoring negative comments or reviews to maintain positivity.
Example: "She shut out the criticism and focused on her goals."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: He shut to the outside out noise.
✅ Correct: He shut out the outside noise.
💡 Tip: Remember that 'out' comes after 'shut'.
Using with intransitive verbs
❌ Wrong: The noise shut out quickly.
✅ Correct: They shut out the noise quickly.
💡 Tip: Ensure 'shut out' has a direct object.
Formal setting usage
❌ Wrong: The board shut out our proposal.
✅ Correct: The board declined our proposal.
💡 Tip: Use 'declined' in formal settings for clarity.
Practice

SHUT OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

exclude block

Antonyms

include

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She managed to ___ all doubts and succeeded."

shut off
shut out
close out
block out

"In life's vast arena, choosing to shut out distractions allows for clarity and purpose to illuminate the path forward."

In Context

During the early 19th century, Mary Shelley, the author of 'Frankenstein,' found herself amid society's constraints and familial pressures. In an era where female voices were often shut out, Mary turned to writing as a means of expression. Shelley's mother had been a renowned feminist, advocating for women's rights, yet societal norms continued to shut out many women from intellectual pursuits. Mary's personal life, marked by the loss of children and the tumultuous relationship with her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, required her to shut out emotional turmoil to focus on her creativity. She often retreated to her study, a place where she could shut out the world's judgments and write prolifically. It was during one of these retreats, amidst the storms of Switzerland in 1816, that Mary conceived the idea of 'Frankenstein.' This novel not only echoed her struggle to shut out societal constraints but also wove in the complexities of creation and consequence. Her ability to channel isolation and adversity into creativity led to a story that has resonated for centuries. Thus, Mary Shelley's legacy teaches us that shutting out the noise of the world can give birth to timeless art.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Shut Out

What is the origin of shut out?

+
The term 'shut out' originates from the Old English 'scyttan' which means to block or stop. Over time, it evolved to mean excluding or preventing entry, commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Can shut out be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Shut out' is generally neutral, fitting both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing the exclusion of distractions or people. However, in strictly formal communication, precise terms like 'exclude' may be preferred.

What is the difference between shut out and exclude?

+
'Shut out' often implies a physical or metaphorical barrier actively in place, while 'exclude' can be more passive, simply indicating absence from participation or consideration. Both convey prevention of presence but differ slightly in implication.

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National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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