achieving closure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieving closure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to emotional resolution or the completion of a process, often in personal or psychological discussions. Example: "After months of therapy, she finally felt she was achieving closure on her past traumas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Coping isn't the same as achieving closure.

The New York Times

"Thanks Figo", giggled this morning's Sport, finally achieving closure.

The Guardian - Sport

A patient failing to conceive and knowing that achieving closure is very difficult.

The Guardian

The critical acts he values are not directed at achieving closure by arriving at a meaning; they are, he says, "ludic" and they are "distinguished … by a refusal to declare meaning in any form".

The New York Times

This program provided training to employment lawyers on techniques for mediating complex employment disputes, breaking impasse, multi-party cases, achieving closure and ethics in the public and private sector on issues pertaining to Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, ERISA, Wage and Hour Laws and Whistle Blower Statutes.

Cornell University

Achieving closure is realized through the use of three strategies: Reiterating purpose, Restating significance of proposed research and Indicating limitation of proposed research, as shown in Table 3.

Functional Linguistics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He's at peace, has achieved closure.

The New Yorker

To achieve closure on rendition we need disclosure.

The Guardian

People said afterwards: have you achieved closure?" He snorts.

The Guardian

Maybe then, and only then, we can achieve closure and move on.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It wasn't what I expected," Nathalie/ David told Steve/Marnie, "but I've achieved closure".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "achieving closure" when referring to the successful resolution of a difficult emotional experience or the completion of a significant process. Be mindful that it often implies a sense of finality and emotional acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "achieving closure" as a generic substitute for simpler terms like "ending" or "finishing". The phrase carries a specific connotation of emotional or psychological resolution and should be used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "achieving closure" is to act as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase relates to completing a process or bringing about emotional resolution, as evidenced by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "achieving closure" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that signifies the resolution of a challenging situation, often with emotional undertones. While not exceedingly common, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples, it appears in various contexts, including news, scientific, and academic publications. The phrase, according to Ludwig AI, implies a sense of finality and emotional acceptance. Related phrases include "finding resolution" and "gaining acceptance", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using "achieving closure", be mindful of its specific connotation and avoid overuse in place of simpler terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding resolution

Focuses on the act of solving a problem or conflict.

gaining acceptance

Implies coming to terms with a situation, often emotionally difficult.

reaching a resolution

Similar to finding resolution, but emphasizes the finality of the result.

resolving an issue

Focuses on addressing and solving a specific problem.

settling the matter

Suggests a formal or legal resolution.

bringing to a conclusion

Similar to reaching a resolution, highlighting the final step.

putting something to rest

Highlights the act of ending something definitively, often a worry or concern.

finalizing the process

Emphasizes the completion of a procedure or task.

completing the cycle

Implies a natural progression to an end point.

tying up loose ends

Focuses on resolving remaining details or issues.

FAQs

How is "achieving closure" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe the resolution of a difficult situation or emotional experience. For example, "After years of therapy, she finally felt she was achieving closure on her past traumas."

What are some alternatives to "achieving closure"?

You can use alternatives like "finding resolution", "gaining acceptance", or "reaching a resolution" depending on the specific context.

Is "achieving closure" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is often used in discussions about personal or emotional issues.

What's the difference between "achieving closure" and "moving on"?

"Achieving closure" implies a sense of resolution and emotional acceptance, whereas "moving on" simply means progressing beyond a particular event or situation, without necessarily implying complete resolution.