close contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close contract" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to refer to the act of finalizing or completing a contract, but it is not a commonly used expression. Example: "We are in the final stages of negotiations and hope to close the contract by the end of the week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On his successor Infantino, Blatter said the pair never had "close contract", but would "hug warmly" when they met.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Rowland, a Republican, had demanded that the bill retain language giving the new board the power to close contract negotiations with Waterbury's unions without seeking arbitration, as state law mandates.

The New York Times

In general, the proceedings unfolded with an air of finality as the commission, which is charged with reviewing each of the facilities the Defense Department is proposing to close, contract or give new missions, met in a hotel ballroom less than a mile from the Pentagon.

The New York Times

This view is echoed by Dr Restif, who argues that because the world's population is expanding, close contract with wildlife will increase, which is often "the first driver of these events".

BBC

The risks may be low but the consequences are severe as we are seeing at the moment". This view is echoed by Dr Restif, who argues that because the world's population is expanding, close contract with wildlife will increase, which is often "the first driver of these events".

BBC

The healthy subjects had normal findings on chest radiogram and no history of close contract with TB patients and no family history of tuberculosis.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It highlights their ability to close contracts, and positions them well".

The New York Times

"Descend to earth, there place thy throne; To succour man's afflicted son Each human heart inspire: To act in bounties unconfin'd, Enlarge the close contracted mind, And fill it with thy fire".

The Guardian - Books

The Homeland Security Department will also need to develop a close contracting relationship with the National Institutes of Health, the division of government best suited for developing the vaccines, antibiotics and other drugs needed to deter or cope with a biological weapons attack.

The New York Times

Over the last few years in order to promote stimulus in the depressed luxury watch retail sector watch brands have 1) lowered prices, 2) raised prices, 3) purchased back unsold product, 4) destroyed unsold inventory, 5) affirmed putting efforts into "fighting" the gray market, 6) promised to "close" contract-violating retail locations, and 7) offered some retailers exclusive products to sell.

Forbes

"We are in negotiations to close contracts under NDA, and we are finalising with one in the games industry," he said.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to finalizing an agreement, consider using stronger and more specific verbs such as "finalize", "execute", or "complete" in place of the less precise phrase "close contract".

Common error

Avoid using "close contract" in formal writing. This phrase is not widely recognized as standard English and can be misinterpreted. Instead, opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives such as "finalize the contract" or "complete the agreement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close contract" is generally used as a verb phrase intending to describe the action of finalizing or completing a contractual agreement. However, Ludwig AI points out that the phrase is not considered standard English. Examples show its use across different types of media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "close contract" is sometimes used to mean finalizing or completing an agreement, Ludwig AI advises that it is not considered standard English. More appropriate alternatives include "finalize the contract", "complete the agreement", or "execute the contract". These alternatives are grammatically sound and more widely accepted in formal and professional contexts. Although the phrase appears across different sources, it is not recommended for use in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finalize the contract

Focuses on the final steps and completion of the contractual agreement.

complete the contract

Emphasizes the fulfillment of all terms and conditions within the contract.

execute the contract

Highlights the formal signing and legal enforcement of the contract.

conclude the agreement

Broader term emphasizing the end of negotiations and reaching a mutual understanding.

settle the contract

Implies resolving any outstanding issues before finalizing the contract.

wrap up the contract

Informal way to say finishing the contract after all the work has been done.

bring the contract to a close

Emphasizes the act of ending negotiations and finalising details.

seal the deal

Informal expression that highlights reaching an agreement and securing the commitment.

clinch the contract

Suggests securing a competitive advantage and winning the contractual agreement.

ink the agreement

Informal that means to sign a contract and make it legal.

FAQs

What does "close contract" mean?

While not standard English, "close contract" generally means to finalize or complete a contractual agreement. It is better to use more common phrases such as "finalize the contract" or "complete the agreement".

Is "close contract" grammatically correct?

No, "close contract" is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. It's more appropriate to use phrases like "finalize the contract" or "execute the contract".

How can I use "close contract" in a sentence?

Although "close contract" isn't recommended, an example of its usage might be: "We aim to close the contract by the end of the month." However, it's better to say: "We aim to "finalize the contract" by the end of the month."

What are some alternatives to saying "close contract"?

Better alternatives to "close contract" include "complete the contract", "finalize the agreement", or "execute the contract". The best choice depends on the specific context.