after closing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after closing time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the period following the official end of business hours for a store, office, or establishment. Example: "The restaurant will be open for private events after closing time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

within an hour after closing time.

The New Yorker

Managers were instructed to return their keys after closing time.

The Washington Post

He throws in his father's car dealership after closing time.

The New York Times - Sports

(Beer is brewed after closing time on Tuesday nights).

The New York Times - Travel

Much of the action takes place after closing time.

The New York Times

He let us stay after closing time and showed us Jefferson's walking stick.

The New Yorker

The house was giant and modern, a Pottery Barn showroom after closing time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Sussudio" and "One More Night" are set in a fictitious pub, before and after closing time.

The New York Times - Arts

Judge Johnson testified that she had waited after closing time but never received a call.

The New York Times

On cold nights, they hide in public libraries or schools after closing time to sleep.

The New York Times

After closing time they used to get it out, and we realised why it was forbidden.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "after closing time" and more formal alternatives like "post-closing hours" or "outside business hours".

Common error

Avoid assuming "after closing time" universally implies the end of all activity. Clarify if staff remains present or if specific operations continue.

Linguistic Context

"After closing time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action takes place. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to specify the timing of an event relative to a business's operational schedule. This is confirmed by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after closing time" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to denote the period following the closure of a business or event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples demonstrate its widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternative phrases like "post-closing hours" or ""after hours"" exist, "after closing time" offers a clear and widely understood way to specify when an event occurs relative to a defined closing time. Remember to consider your audience and context when selecting the most appropriate phrasing. As for the advice Ludwig gives, avoid assuming that "after closing time" always implies a complete cessation of all activities, and remember to specify whether staff remain present or if specific operations continue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after hours

Shorter, more common way to refer to the time after a business closes.

outside business hours

Similar to "after hours", but slightly more formal.

post-closing hours

Formal alternative emphasizing the period immediately following the close.

following the close

Emphasizes the sequence of events, occurring directly after the closing.

beyond operating hours

Formal, indicating time outside the scheduled operating times.

once the doors are locked

More descriptive, focusing on the physical act of closing.

when the business is shut

Informal, highlighting the state of being closed.

subsequent to closure

Very formal, emphasizing the time after the act of closing.

after the final bell

Figurative, implies the end of something, especially in schools or events.

at the end of the day

More general, referring to the end of a work period, not necessarily closing time.

FAQs

What does "after closing time" mean?

The phrase "after closing time" refers to the period that begins immediately following the time a business, store, or other establishment officially closes its doors to the public.

What's a more formal way to say "after closing time"?

More formal alternatives include "post-closing hours" or "outside business hours". These are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Can "after closing time" be used for events that aren't businesses?

Yes, although it's most commonly associated with businesses, "after closing time" can also apply to any event with a defined end, like a museum or park. For example, you could say, "The park is dangerous "after closing time"."

Is it acceptable to use "after hours" instead of "after closing time"?

Yes, "after hours" is a common and generally interchangeable alternative to "after closing time". However, "after closing time" is more precise when specifically referring to the moment of closure.