a closed society

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a closed society" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a community or group that restricts access to information, participation, or interaction with outsiders. Example: "In a closed society, dissenting opinions are often suppressed, and freedom of expression is limited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Treaties on arms control, with elaborate legal definitions and verification procedures, were necessary during the cold war because the Soviet Union was a closed society, in which military programs were closely guarded secrets.

The New York Times

An Open Society - There was a time when the World Economic Forum was a closed society, with participants quietly asked to keep the general tenor "off the record".

Huffington Post

Saudi Arabia is a closed society.

The Economist

But it was also a closed society.

The Guardian - Arts

"A closed society, in which people know their place.

Independent

A closed society was replaced by an open one.

The New Yorker

"It is a closed society, a complete, literally perfect oligarchy.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was, in a way, a closed society.

University of California, Berkeley

"They are virtually a closed society as well," he said.

The New York Times

For all their charm, the Falklands remain a closed society.

The New York Times

"As a closed society, this country is a special case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a closed society" when you want to emphasize the lack of transparency, freedom, and external interaction within a community or organization. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with an open or democratic society.

Common error

Avoid using "a closed society" when you simply mean a private or exclusive group. "A closed society" implies systemic restrictions on information and interaction, not just limited membership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a closed society" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'closed' acts as an adjective modifying 'society'. It describes a specific type of societal structure. This is evident from Ludwig's examples where it's used to characterize entities like the Soviet Union or North Korea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a closed society" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a community or organization that restricts access to information and interaction with the outside world. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing systemic restrictions rather than just simple privacy. Alternatives like "an isolated community" or "a restricted environment" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated community

Focuses on the lack of interaction with the outside world.

a restricted environment

Emphasizes limitations on freedom and access.

a secretive organization

Highlights the characteristic of concealing information.

an inward-looking culture

Stresses the focus on internal affairs rather than external interactions.

a secluded enclave

Implies a physical or social separation from the wider world.

a tightly controlled state

Highlights the government's influence on the restrictions within the society.

a repressive regime

Focuses on the oppressive nature of the governing power.

an authoritarian system

Highlights a system of government characterized by strong central control and limited political freedoms.

a totalitarian state

Emphasizes the all-encompassing control of the government over all aspects of life.

a hermetic order

Suggests a group that is sealed off and self-contained, often with a focus on esoteric knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "a closed society" in a sentence?

You can use "a closed society" to describe any community or group that limits access to information, freedom, or interaction with the outside world. For example: "North Korea is often described as a "closed society" because of its strict control over information and its citizens' movements."

What are some alternatives to "a closed society"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an isolated community", "a restricted environment", or "a secretive organization".

What characteristics define "a closed society"?

A "a closed society" typically features limited access to information, restricted freedom of expression, a lack of transparency in governance, and minimal interaction with the outside world.

What is the opposite of "a closed society"?

The opposite of "a closed society" is "an open society", which is characterized by freedom of information, transparency, and robust interaction with other cultures and societies.