a closed subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a closed subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or issue that is no longer open for discussion or debate. Example: "The committee decided that the budget proposal was a closed subject after the final vote was taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is never a closed subject, but instead a matter we are compelled to go on arguing about.

The Guardian - Books

To understand why the mainstream finds this proposition so annoying, you have to understand that "distribution" – the polite name for inequality – was thought to be a closed subject.

The Guardian - Books

Shechtman was vilified for insisting that he had discovered a crystal with a fivefold symmetry and an aperiodic structure; the types of structures possible in a crystal had been considered a closed subject since the 1890s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Naturally, her love life was a closed subject between father and son, but for years afterward Michael could not drive through Chelmsford or the surrounding villages without wondering whether this or that old fellow tottering along the pavement or slumped near a bus stop was one of the seventeen.

The New Yorker

Crimea is a closed subject".

BBC

Either evolution is an exciting subject able to incorporate diverse approaches, or it is a closed subject basically solved 150 years ago, when we knew virtually nothing about heredity or hereditary variation.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There are two methods with which you can use a wide-angle with a square measure; with a close subject, or with a far away subject.

WikiHow

Let C be a nonempty closed convex subject of a real Hilbert space H.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

A close up subject is used more commonly than the latter.

WikiHow

As the book draws to a close, the subjects Raeburn writes about become less biological and more biographical.

The New Yorker

The studio is also something more basic to a painter: it's the closest subject at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a closed subject" when you want to firmly indicate that a matter is no longer open for discussion or consideration. It's suitable for situations where a decision has been made and further debate is unproductive.

Common error

Avoid using "a closed subject" prematurely in collaborative environments. It can stifle creativity and prevent the exploration of potentially beneficial ideas. Ensure all voices are heard before declaring a topic closed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a closed subject" functions as a noun phrase that describes a topic or issue that is no longer open for discussion or debate. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a closed subject" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote that a topic is no longer open for discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability across diverse contexts, although overuse in collaborative settings should be avoided. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, the phrase carries a neutral register and signals finality. Alternatives such as ""a settled matter"" and ""a resolved issue"" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific situation. While not overly frequent, understanding its usage and implications is valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a settled matter

Emphasizes that the issue has been definitively resolved.

a resolved issue

Highlights the completion of the problem-solving process.

a finished discussion

Focuses on the termination of a conversation or debate.

an end of discussion

Directly states that no further discussion is permitted.

a non-negotiable point

Suggests that the item is not open to bargaining or compromise.

off the table

Indicates that the topic is no longer under consideration.

case closed

Implies a definitive resolution, often with a sense of finality.

not up for debate

Stresses that the topic is not open to argument or questioning.

a dead issue

Signifies that the topic is no longer relevant or active.

beyond discussion

Suggests that the matter has been decided and is not subject to further debate.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a closed subject"?

It means the topic is no longer open for discussion or debate, typically because a decision has been made or a consensus reached. Similar phrases include "a settled matter" or "a resolved issue".

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

You can use it to firmly state that a particular topic is no longer up for debate. For example, "After the board's decision, the budget allocation became a closed subject."

When is it appropriate to say something is "a closed subject"?

It's appropriate when a decision has been made, all relevant information has been considered, and further discussion is unproductive. Be mindful of the context, as prematurely declaring something "off the table" can stifle collaboration.

Are there more formal alternatives to "a closed subject"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include phrases like "a non-negotiable point" or stating that the matter is "beyond discussion".