are being closed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being closed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in passive constructions to indicate that something is currently in the process of being closed. Example: "The roads are being closed for maintenance, so please find an alternative route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Farms are being closed.

The Economist

Titles are being closed.

The Guardian

Bathrooms are being closed.

The New York Times

Hospitals are being closed.

The Guardian

"The gates are being closed".

The New York Times

Accounts are being closed down.

The Guardian

The borders are being closed in Russia.

The Guardian - Film

Some of the language gaps are being closed.

The Economist

Facilities are being closed because of funding cuts.

Independent

In Connecticut, four such crossings are being closed, leaving 11.

The New York Times - Travel

Even so, the markets are being closed watched.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being closed" when you want to emphasize the ongoing process of something being shut down, rather than a completed action. For example, "The negotiations are being closed after weeks of discussion" highlights the current stage.

Common error

Avoid using "are being closed" when the action is already complete. Instead of "The investigation are being closed", use "The investigation has been closed" to indicate a finished action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being closed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being closed. Ludwig's examples show it's used when something is currently in the process of being shut down.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being closed" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the ongoing process of something being shut down. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility, appearing frequently in news and business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase often conveys negative implications due to its association with closures and shutdowns. When using this phrase, ensure the action is currently in progress and choose alternative phrases carefully to reflect the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being shut down

Synonymous, but with slightly more emphasis on the action of closing.

are shutting down

Focuses on the action of stopping operations, rather than the state of being closed.

are in the process of closing

More descriptive and less direct; emphasizes the ongoing nature of the closing.

are ceasing operations

More formal and emphasizes the cessation of business activities.

are being terminated

Formal; indicates the ending of something, such as a contract or service.

are becoming defunct

Implies a state of no longer existing or functioning, often due to obsolescence.

are winding down

Similar to drawing to a close, but implies a more active process of reducing operations.

are drawing to a close

More figurative; suggests a gradual ending or conclusion.

are nearing completion

Implies a final stage of closure.

are meeting their end

More dramatic; often used for projects or initiatives.

FAQs

How can I use "are being closed" in a sentence?

The phrase "are being closed" is used to describe an ongoing process of shutting down something. For example, "Due to budget cuts, several libraries "are being closed" this year".

What's the difference between "are being closed" and "have been closed"?

"Are being closed" indicates an action in progress, while "have been closed" indicates a completed action. Use "The offices "are being closed" this week" versus "The offices "have been closed" since last Friday".

What are some alternatives to "are being closed"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are shutting down", "are being discontinued", or "are ceasing operations".

Is it correct to say "is being closed" or should I always use "are being closed"?

The correct form depends on whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. Use "is being closed" for singular subjects (e.g. "The store is being closed") and "are being closed" for plural subjects (e.g. "The stores "are being closed"").