closed down

USAGE SUMMARY

"closed down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something that was previously open has been shut down or discontinued. Example: After three years of financial difficulties, the small restaurant was forced to close down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, she closed down.

The New York Times - Health

Everything closed down.

The Economist

Businesses closed down.

The New York Times

Alleys get closed down.

The New York Times

Schools were closed down.

The New Yorker

Outspoken websites are closed down.

The Economist

But few have closed down.

The Economist

Then Leon's closed down.

The New York Times - Food

Your plant closed down?

The Guardian - Opinion

It was closed down.

The Guardian

It closed down everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "closed down" to clearly indicate that an establishment, service, or system has ceased operations, whether temporarily or permanently. The phrase is versatile and suitable for a wide range of contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "closed down" for temporary closures unless explicitly stated (e.g., "closed down for the holidays"). If the closure is only temporary, consider phrases like "temporarily closed" or "shut for maintenance" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

Closed down functions as a phrasal verb, typically used in the passive voice to describe something that has been forced to cease operation, such as "The factory was closed down". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closed down" is a phrasal verb that effectively conveys the cessation of operation of a business, organization, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its role in reporting on closures and economic events. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to clarify whether the closure is temporary or permanent for clear communication. Alternatives like "shut down" or "ceased operations" may suit different contexts, but "closed down" remains a widely understood and accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut down

A direct synonym, interchangeable in many contexts.

ceased operations

More formal and emphasizes the end of business activities.

ceased trading

Focuses on the cessation of commercial transactions.

went out of business

Specifically refers to businesses ceasing operation due to financial reasons.

terminated

A more formal term applicable to various types of endings, including contracts or projects.

discontinued

Implies a deliberate decision to stop something, often a product or service.

wound up

Often used in legal or financial contexts to describe the closing of a company.

brought to an end

A more general phrase indicating the completion or termination of something.

halted

Implies a sudden or abrupt stop to an activity or process.

was terminated

Passive form, emphasizing the action of being ended or discontinued by an external force.

FAQs

What does "closed down" mean?

"Closed down" means that a business, organization, or system has stopped operating, either temporarily or permanently.

How to use "closed down" in a sentence?

You can use "closed down" in sentences like: "The factory "was closed down" due to financial losses" or "The website "closed down" after the company went bankrupt".

What can I say instead of "closed down"?

Alternatives to "closed down" include "shut down", "ceased operations", "went out of business", or "terminated", depending on the context.

Is "closed down" formal or informal?

"Closed down" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "ceased operations" might be preferred in official communications.