case closed

USAGE SUMMARY

"case closed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to denote the end of a particular matter or case. For example, "The jury found the defendant guilty of the crime and the judge announced, 'Case closed.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Case closed.

The New York Times

Problem solved, case closed.

The New Yorker

Case closed, I'd say.

The New Yorker

MARY: Case closed.

The New Yorker

"Case closed!" he thundered.

The New Yorker

Case closed again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Various cases closed?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Few arguments are clinched, or cases closed.

The Guardian

In December 2011 there were 177 cases closed.

Vice

The mystery was over; cased closed.

Vice

Prosecution Starts Ebbers Case Closing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "case closed" to signal a definitive end to a discussion, investigation, or argument. Ensure the context clearly indicates that the matter is fully resolved and not open for further debate.

Common error

Don't use "case closed" if there's still room for discussion or if new evidence could potentially surface. Prematurely declaring "case closed" can undermine credibility if the situation isn't truly resolved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case closed" functions as an interjection or a declarative statement used to indicate the end of a discussion, investigation, or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it frequently concludes a line of reasoning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Case closed" is a common phrase used to indicate the end of a discussion or investigation, signifying that a final decision has been made. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to signal finality, though it can also be employed ironically. While the phrase is generally acceptable, caution should be exercised in formal contexts where more sophisticated language may be required. Alternatives like "issue resolved" or "matter concluded" can offer a more formal tone. Remember, using "case closed" when a situation is not truly resolved can diminish credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's settled

A more concise way to express that a final decision has been made.

problem solved

Similar to "issue resolved", but specifically refers to a problem that has been overcome.

issue resolved

This suggests that a problem or issue has been successfully dealt with and is no longer a concern.

that settles it

Implies that a decision has been reached that resolves any uncertainty or disagreement.

matter concluded

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to convey the completion of a matter.

final decision made

Highlights the finality of a decision, indicating that it is not subject to change.

that's the end of it

This is a more informal way of saying that something is finished and not open for discussion.

we're done here

An informal way to signal the completion of a task or discussion.

no further discussion

Emphasizes that a decision has been made and there will be no more debate on the topic.

the end

A simple, direct way to indicate that something has finished.

FAQs

How is "case closed" typically used in a sentence?

"Case closed" is typically used at the end of a statement or discussion to indicate that the matter is resolved and no further action is needed. For example, "The evidence is clear; "case closed"."

What can I say instead of "case closed"?

You can use alternatives like "issue resolved", "problem solved", or "it's settled" depending on the context.

Is "case closed" appropriate for formal writing?

While "case closed" is widely understood, it may be too informal for certain types of formal writing. Consider using a more formal alternative like "matter concluded" or "the matter is resolved."

Can "case closed" be used ironically?

Yes, "case closed" can be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that a matter is not truly resolved, often to humorous effect. The tone of voice or context usually makes this clear.