close down operations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close down operations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of ceasing business activities or shutting down a facility. Example: "Due to financial difficulties, the company has decided to close down operations by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Aides said that Mr. Bloomberg had not decided to close down operations, but was exploring options.

The New York Times

"The board of directors of Pipevine Inc. has decided to close down operations due to a severe liquidity problem," the company said in a statement yesterday.

The New York Times

Sustained opposition complaints of fraud in the tabulation of votes began in earnest only today, though, after the observer groups had begun to close down operations here.

The New York Times

He also said that Russia planned to close down operations on the 12-year old Mir station, after the first astronauts move into the new international space station.

The New York Times - Science

The government in Argentina froze most savings accounts in early December to avert massive capital flight, and the government has been bickering with banks, some of which have threatened to close down operations and leave the country, over how they are to be compensated for billions of dollars in losses.

The New York Times

"It's exciting that this year we have been able to close down operations, raid premises and issue huge fines to try to put a stop to this, but this is not a victimless crime and there is more that can be done".

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It closed down operations in China in June and laid off 120 employees.

TechCrunch

Unaware of this and believing that more German attacks would follow, Dempsey closed down Operation Epsom.

Wikipedia

The United States military has not begun closing down operations at Manas, said a military spokesman at the base.

The New York Times

Part of that monitoring has included the precautionary measure of closing down operations at the research station for the past three Antarctic winters, which feature months of darkness and heavy snowfall.

The Washington Post

Roger & Me (Michael Moore, 1989) Moore originated his brand of confrontational documentary with this elegy for his working-class hometown, which was devastated when General Motors closed down operations there in the 1980s.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close down operations", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific activities or facilities are being shut down to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "close down operations" when referring to minor adjustments or temporary suspensions. Be specific about the scale and permanence of the closure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close down operations" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of ceasing or terminating business or organizational activities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close down operations" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that conveys the termination or cessation of activities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in news, business, and general contexts. While versatile, it's important to be specific about what is being closed down to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "cease operations" or "shut down operations" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease operations

This alternative is more formal and often used in official announcements or business contexts.

shut down operations

This alternative is slightly less formal than "cease operations" but carries a similar meaning.

terminate operations

This option emphasizes the finality of the closure and is often used in formal settings.

discontinue operations

This alternative suggests a more gradual or planned cessation of activities.

halt operations

This phrase indicates an immediate stop to activities, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

suspend operations

This suggests a temporary cessation, with the possibility of resuming activities later.

wind down operations

This implies a gradual reduction of activities until complete cessation.

liquidate assets

This alternative focuses on the financial aspect of closing a business, involving selling assets to pay debts.

go out of business

This is a more general and informal way of saying a business is closing.

dissolve the company

This is a legal term referring to the formal termination of a company's existence.

FAQs

What does "close down operations" mean?

The phrase "close down operations" signifies the process of ceasing business activities, shutting down a facility, or terminating a specific function within an organization.

What can I say instead of "close down operations"?

You can use alternatives like "cease operations", "shut down operations", or "terminate operations" depending on the context.

Is "close down operations" formal or informal?

The phrase "close down operations" falls in a neutral register. Alternatives like "cease operations" might be more formal, while "go out of business" is generally more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "close down operations"?

It's appropriate to use "close down operations" when you want to communicate the cessation of activities in a clear and concise way, applicable in both formal and informal contexts.