closed hours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closed hours" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to specific times when a business or service is not open to the public. An example is: "The store has closed hours from 6 PM to 9 AM." Alternative expressions include "non-operating hours," "off hours," and "after hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Schools were dismissed and government departments closed hours early.

The New York Times

The men would stay to midnight, even though the mission doors closed hours earlier.

The New York Times

For thinly traded securities, like smaller-company stocks and junk bonds, or for foreign securities whose markets closed hours earlier, fund companies generally estimate a "fair value".

The New York Times

The gas stations had closed hours earlier, so we were left to use nature's restroom and passed the early hours in our stuffy small car and the damp ruins of nearby Skipness Castle.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The chapel opens two or three hours before each match, and closes hours after.

The New York Times

"The main purpose of the gates is to keep cars from coming into the park after closing hours," Bettar said.

Los Angeles Times

Six of these studies addressed extended trading hours [15– 20], whereas three addressed restrictions in closing hours [21– 23].

Addiction

In particular, the following types of studies have been requested: studies applying stronger research designs [11– 13], studies that relate closing hours to levels of violence [12], studies that assess symmetry in impact of extended versus restricted closing hours [11] and studies that address the possible impact of smaller changes (<2 hours) in closing hours [11].

Addiction

That usually means a closing hour of 10 on weeknights and 11 on the weekends.

The New York Times

Events must be finished 30 minutes before the closing hour of Doe Library (generally 9pm during the academic year).

University of California, Berkeley

It makes sense, perhaps, only if you've ever eaten Rocky Mountain oysters in a bar in Butte at closing hour.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying "closed hours", always provide clear start and end times to avoid confusion. For instance, "The library's closed hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM."

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands what constitutes "closed hours" for a particular context. Always clarify whether it refers to physical closure, limited services, or complete unavailability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closed hours" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun or acts as a subject or object, indicating a specific period when a business, service, or institution is not operational. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and used across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closed hours" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to specify times when a business or service is not operational. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is straightforward and widely understood, though not exceptionally common. It's best practice to provide clear start and end times when using the phrase and to ensure the context is clear. Alternatives like "non-operating hours" or "after hours" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While the phrase is suitable for neutral contexts, formal situations may benefit from more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-operating hours

Focuses on the state of not being in operation.

off hours

Implies a time outside the regular or scheduled working period.

after hours

Specifically refers to the time period following the conclusion of standard operating hours.

out of service hours

Emphasizes the unavailability of a service during specific times.

non-business hours

Highlights that commercial activities are not taking place.

down time

Suggests a period of inactivity or reduced activity.

inactive hours

Stresses the lack of activity or operation.

non-peak hours

Indicates times when activity is lower compared to busier periods.

unproductive hours

Highlights the lack of output or results during those times.

silent hours

Focuses on the quiet or stillness during those periods.

FAQs

How can I use "closed hours" in a sentence?

You can use "closed hours" to describe the time when a business or service is not open. For example, "The museum's "closed hours" are from 6 PM to 9 AM."

What's a more formal way to say "closed hours"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "non-operating hours" or "out of service hours".

Are "closing hours" and "closed hours" the same?

While similar, "closing hours" typically refers to the time near the end of operations, while ""closed hours"" refers to the entire period when something is not open.

What are some other ways to describe periods when a business is not open?

Other options include "off hours", "after hours", or "non-business hours", depending on the specific context.