closing off

USAGE SUMMARY

"closing off" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to bring an end to something or to block off an area from access. Example: The construction workers began closing off the road to repair the large pothole.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The rhinos are closing off your future.

The New York Times

This causes scar tissue to form, closing off the vessel.

Harvard University

There was no question of closing off access.

Independent

Why are we still closing off streets for block parties?

The New York Times

They warned him against closing off streets for protests.

The Washington Post

For Hoyt, this rollback clarified that "things were closing off".

The New Yorker

But electronics is closing off this invaluable two-way street.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, that meant closing off access to birth parents; sometimes, telling them to meet.

The New York Times

Israel's separation barrier, closing off the West Bank, is, in other words, an unacceptable land grab.

The New York Times

"Closing off valves sounds easy," Mr. Zandi said, but the consequences can be extremely damaging.

The New York Times

Opponents have argued that closing off the lake would block a vital shipping route.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being closed off, whether it's a physical space, an avenue of communication, or a set of options.

Common error

Avoid using "closing off" when a more nuanced verb like "limiting", "restricting", or "ending" would better convey the intended meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "closing off" is that of a phrasal verb. It's used to describe the action of blocking access, ending something, or creating a barrier. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatile usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closing off" is a versatile phrasal verb commonly used to describe the act of blocking access, terminating something, or creating a barrier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, consider choosing more precise alternatives like "restricting access" or "terminating" in formal writing to enhance clarity. Remember to be precise in your usage, making sure it aligns with the intended meaning, whether it is physical or abstract. With its widespread use and clear meaning, mastering the use of "closing off" is valuable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blocking access

Focuses specifically on preventing access, similar to one aspect of "closing off".

restricting access

Similar to "blocking access", but broader and includes partial limitations, not just complete closure.

shutting down

Implies a more complete and often permanent cessation than "closing off".

cutting off

Focuses on severing a connection or supply, a specific type of "closing off".

barring entry

Specifically refers to preventing entrance, which is one possible application of "closing off".

cordoning off

Specifically refers to creating a boundary with a cordon, a more physical sense of "closing off".

sealing off

Suggests a more permanent and often airtight barrier, unlike "closing off" which can be temporary.

isolating

Focuses on separating something from its surroundings, a broader concept than "closing off".

terminating

Emphasizes ending something, which is one possible outcome of "closing off".

discontinuing

Implies ceasing an activity or service, a specific type of "closing off".

FAQs

What does "closing off" mean?

"Closing off" generally means to block access to something or to bring something to an end. It can apply to physical spaces, opportunities, or even relationships.

How can I use "closing off" in a sentence?

You can use "closing off" in various contexts, such as: "The police are "blocking access" to the street", or "The company is "discontinuing" its operations in that region".

What are some alternatives to "closing off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shutting down", "isolating", "terminating", or "cutting off".

Is "closing off" formal or informal?

"Closing off" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, consider if a more precise term might be more suitable. For example, instead of "closing off negotiations", you could say "terminating negotiations".