be closed to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be closed to the" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "The door should be closed to the outside."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It will be closed to the public).

The New York Times - Arts

The Garden will be closed to the public today.

University of California, Berkeley

Some proceedings would be closed to the public.

The New Yorker

The meeting would be closed to the public.

The New York Times - Sports

The presentations will be closed to the news media.

The New York Times - Sports

Other entrances will be closed to the public.

The New York Times

The event will be closed to the public.

The New York Times

This exclusive alumni-and-guest event will be closed to the public at large.

Columbia University

As a result, SML will be closed to the public until 3 00pm.

Yale University

Due to weather, the Garden will be closed to the public at 2pm today.

University of California, Berkeley

The Whitney Museum announced it will be closed to the public on Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "be shut off from" or "be inaccessible to" for improved grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use the phrase as if it were grammatically sound. Instead, make sure the passive voice is used correctly by using the proper past participle verb form, such as "be closed off to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be closed to the" functions as a passive verb construction intended to describe a state of inaccessibility or restriction. Despite its frequent use, Ludwig AI analysis indicates grammatical issues. This makes its primary function somewhat compromised in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be closed to the" appears frequently in various sources, particularly within news and media, it is grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect, recommending alternatives like "be shut off from" or "be inaccessible to" for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Although the phrase's intent is usually to communicate inaccessibility or restriction, its effectiveness is undermined by its structural issues, making it less suitable for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be shut off from

Emphasizes physical or metaphorical separation, focusing on prevention of access.

be inaccessible to

Highlights the inability to reach or use something, varying the focus from active closure to inherent unavailability.

be restricted to

Indicates that access is limited to specific people or conditions, altering the original emphasis on complete closure.

be off-limits to

Uses a more informal tone to convey that something is prohibited.

be out of bounds for

Similar to 'off-limits', it implies a rule or boundary that must not be crossed.

be prohibited for

Indicates a formal ban or prohibition, changing the nuance from simple closure to a formal restriction.

be forbidden to

Implies a strong, often authoritative, ban, adding a layer of severity absent in the original.

be not allowed for

A straightforward way of saying something is not permitted, simplifying the original's phrasing.

be unavailable to

Focuses on the lack of availability rather than the act of closing or restricting.

be sequestered from

Highlights isolation or seclusion, changing the context from general access to deliberate separation.

FAQs

What is the correct way to phrase "be closed to the"?

While "be closed to the" is commonly found, it's not grammatically correct. A better alternative would be "be closed off to" or "be inaccessible to".

When can I use "be closed to the"?

While frequently used in some contexts, the phrase "be closed to the" is grammatically incorrect and its use should be avoided in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives such as "be shut off from" or "be restricted to" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What are some formal alternatives to "be closed to the"?

For formal writing, you can replace "be closed to the" with options like "be inaccessible to" or "be prohibited to". These alternatives provide clearer and more grammatically sound expressions.

Is there a difference between "be closed to the" and "be closed off to"?

Yes, "be closed off to" is grammatically correct and implies a deliberate act of preventing access or interaction. "Be closed to the", while used, is considered grammatically incorrect.