close the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the case" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to either a legal context or a figurative context, such as wrapping up a project or discussion. For example: "After careful deliberation, the jury decided to close the case." or "Let's close the case on this project and move on to the next one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They would close the case.

The New York Times

And then they close the case and walk away.

The New York Times

As yet, they've failed to close the case.

The Guardian - Film

They said that that judge should then close the case.

The New York Times

The science alone could not close the case.

The New York Times

And why, finally, the rush to close the case?

The New Yorker

It is not the way to close the case.

The New York Times

Still, only the discovery of Mr. Cooper, dead or alive, can close the case.

The New York Times

The police chief, all too human, is eager to close the case on any legitimate pretext.

The New York Times

(He was, however, forced to resign). And why, finally, the rush to close the case?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We decided to close the case-patient's workplace several hours after her definitive diagnosis.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close the case" when you want to indicate the formal end of an investigation, legal matter, or project. Ensure all necessary steps have been taken before using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "close the case" prematurely when all leads have not been thoroughly investigated or when a final resolution hasn't been reached. Ensure all parties involved are satisfied with the outcome before declaring the case closed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the case" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of concluding or terminating an investigation, legal matter, or project. It often signifies that all necessary steps have been taken and a resolution has been reached, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close the case" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to signify the formal conclusion of an investigation, legal matter, or project. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its widespread understanding and application. While predominantly neutral in register, it leans towards professional due to its prevalence in legal and investigative domains. Remember to use it when a formal resolution has been reached and consider alternatives like "conclude the matter" or "resolve the issue" depending on the specific context. Avoiding premature closure is crucial for accuracy and completeness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclude the matter

Focuses more on the act of ending a discussion or investigation, less specific to legal contexts.

resolve the issue

Highlights the solution aspect rather than just ending an inquiry.

finalize the investigation

Specifically refers to bringing an investigation to its ultimate conclusion.

settle the dispute

Implies resolving a disagreement, often with a compromise.

wrap up the inquiry

Suggests a more informal way of ending an investigation.

bring to a conclusion

A more formal and general way of saying to end something.

put to rest

Suggests finalizing something that has been causing concern or debate.

terminate the process

Emphasizes the end of a procedure, often in a formal setting.

end the proceedings

Specifically refers to ending a legal or formal process.

complete the file

Focuses on finishing all the required actions for a certain matter or file.

FAQs

How to use "close the case" in a sentence?

You can use "close the case" to indicate the termination of an investigation or legal matter. For example, "The detective was finally able to close the case after years of investigation".

What can I say instead of "close the case"?

You can use alternatives like "conclude the matter", "resolve the issue", or "finalize the investigation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "close the case" or "shut the case"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "close the case" is the more common and formally accepted expression, especially in professional contexts. "Shut the case" might sound less formal.

What's the difference between "close the case" and "finish the case"?

"Close the case" typically implies a formal or official ending, often in legal or investigative contexts. "Finish the case" is more general and could refer to completing any task or project, whether formal or informal.