close to shutting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to shutting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is nearly or about to be closed, such as a door, a business, or a system. Example: "The store is close to shutting for the night, so please make your final purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In 1992 its managers said the company was in such financial trouble that it was dangerously close to shutting down.

The New York Times

The constitutional court came close to shutting the AKP down in 2008 for alleged anti-secular activity.

The Guardian

A month before the shootings, Charlie Hebdo was close to shutting down as sales had dipped below 30,000.

The Guardian

It's a good thing Ratmansky isn't superstitious, for as gorgeous as Bakst's designs may have been, the 1921 production came close to shutting Diaghilev's company down.

The Guardian

The anti-abortion group Operation Rescue has told its supporters it is facing a "major financial crisis" and is close to shutting down unless emergency help arrives soon.

The New York Times

Mr. Lerer was one of the early investors in OMGPop, a New York company that was close to shutting down until it had an overnight hit in Draw Something, a twist on Pictionary for the iPhone.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As time passes, offices open to turn on computers and close to shut off computers, which causes the sudden steps on the curve.

Security Informatics

Repeat this for any other apps that you also want to close to shut them down.

WikiHow

The Bloomberg administration is moving closer to shutting one of the largest and busiest nightclubs in the city, as part of an aggressive new strategy to revoke the operating licenses of clubs that health officials believe promote smoking.

The New York Times

As Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn edged closer to shutting its emergency room and transferring its few remaining patients to other hospitals, those who want to close the hospital and those fighting to keep it open skirmished over the weekend in a flurry of legal maneuvers and bitter accusations.

The New York Times

Last year, Jeremiah Moss, the pseudonymous author of the blog Jeremiah's Vanishing New York, put a list of potentially at-risk established establishments; since then, several of them have been forced to close by circumstance or edged closer to shutting down.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to shutting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being shut, whether it's a business, a system, or a part of the body. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "close to shutting" when referring to temporary pauses or breaks. This phrase implies a near-permanent cessation of operation. For temporary situations, use phrases like "temporarily closed" or "under maintenance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to shutting" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of near completion or cessation. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly describes situations nearing closure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to shutting" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is nearing closure, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this prepositional phrase conveys the imminence of termination for businesses, organizations, or even bodily functions. While alternatives like "nearing closure" and "on the verge of closing" exist, "close to shutting" provides a unique emphasis on the process leading to the final state. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines what is being shut to avoid ambiguity. Remember, this phrase implies a near-permanent cessation, so avoid using it for temporary situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearing closure

Focuses on the process of closing, emphasizing the proximity to the final act.

on the verge of closing

Highlights the imminence of the closing action.

about to close

A simpler and more direct way of expressing that something will close soon.

on the brink of shutting down

Emphasizes the precariousness and potential finality of the situation.

approaching shutdown

Highlights the progression towards a shutdown state.

in danger of closing

Highlights the risk and potential negative consequences of closing.

facing imminent closure

Stresses the unavoidability and closeness of the closure.

nearly shutting

A more concise way of saying that something is almost shutting.

on the point of closing

Indicates that the action of closing is about to happen at any moment.

verging on termination

A more formal way to express that something is nearly terminating.

FAQs

How can I use "close to shutting" in a sentence?

You can use "close to shutting" to describe something that is nearly or about to be closed. For example: "The factory was "close to shutting" down due to financial difficulties".

What are some alternatives to saying "close to shutting"?

Alternatives include "nearing closure", "on the verge of closing", or "about to close". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "close to shutting" or "nearly closed"?

"Close to shutting" emphasizes the process leading to closure, while "nearly closed" focuses on the state of being almost shut. Both are correct, but the nuance differs slightly.

What's the difference between "close to shutting" and "close to closing"?

"Close to shutting" is generally used for more significant closures like businesses or systems, whereas "close to closing" can also apply to less permanent situations like the end of a daily business operation.