close for good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close for good" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a business or service, is permanently shutting down and will not reopen. Example: "After years of struggling to stay afloat, the restaurant has decided to close for good."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Excite will close for good Feb.

The New York Times

Which move away or close for good?

The New York Times

Come May 31st, though, the store will close for good..

The New Yorker

Come May 31st, though, the store will close for good...

The New Yorker

But the Play by Play sports bar will soon close for good.

The New York Times - Sports

Whereas if I said no, the door might close for good.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Closing for good?

The New York Times

Several closed for good.

The New York Times - Tech

Now it is closed for good.

The New York Times

Then the 150-year-old pub closed for good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Thursday, Professional closed for good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a company's closure, consider using "close for good" after presenting the initial announcement to emphasize the permanence of the decision. For example: 'The company announced it was closing; this time, it's closing for good'.

Common error

Avoid using "close for good" for temporary shutdowns or seasonal breaks. This phrase implies a permanent cessation, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close for good" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating the permanent cessation of something, typically a business or service. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close for good" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is permanently ceasing operations. It's grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various audiences. When you want to indicate that something such as a business or service has come to a definitive end, "close for good" is a strong choice. Alternative ways to express this concept are: ""shut down permanently"" or "cease operations indefinitely". When using this phrase, be sure to double-check it is a permanent closure and not temporary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut down permanently

Emphasizes the act of ceasing operations completely and without intention of reopening.

cease operations indefinitely

Highlights that the halt in activity is not temporary and lacks a defined end date.

permanently discontinue

Focuses on the lasting nature of the termination, often used in formal contexts.

terminate for good

Implies a formal and decisive ending, suitable for official announcements.

go out of business

Specifically refers to the cessation of commercial activity.

cease to exist

A more general term indicating the end of something's existence.

be no more

A more poetic and emphatic way to express the end of something.

shut its doors forever

Emphasizes the finality of the closure, particularly for businesses.

end operations

A straightforward way to state that a company is stopping its activities.

draw the curtain

Suggests an ending or conclusion, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "close for good" in a sentence?

You can use "close for good" to indicate the permanent closure of a business, service, or opportunity. For example: "After 20 years, the local bookstore will "shut down permanently" and "close for good"".

What is a less formal way to say "close for good"?

Less formal alternatives to "close for good" include phrases like "go out of business" or "shut its doors forever", which are more common in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "close for good" and "close temporarily"?

"Close for good" signifies a permanent cessation of operations, while "close temporarily" means the business or service will reopen at a later date. Using the correct phrase is crucial for clarity.

Can "close for good" be used for things other than businesses?

Yes, while often used for businesses, "close for good" can apply to any situation that is permanently ending. For example, "That chapter of my life is "finished for good" and "close for good"".