closing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "closing time" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to the time that a business or other establishment stops operations for the day or night, such as a store or bar. For example: The bar was emptying out as closing time approached.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was nearly closing time.

The New Yorker

It was closing time.

The New Yorker

They drank and talked until closing time.

The New Yorker

There is no specific closing time.

The New York Times

All too soon it was closing time.

The Guardian - Travel

It was almost 8 p.m. Closing time.

The New York Times - Style

It was late afternoon, near closing time.

The New York Times

It's like closing time at a nightclub.

The Guardian - Travel

CLOSING TIME: A Memoir, by Joe Queenan.

The New York Times - Books

"Prego, si chiude," closing time, everyone out.

The New York Times - Travel

CLOSING TIME: A Memoir.By Joe Queenan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scheduled events, clearly state the "closing time" to avoid confusion and ensure everyone is informed about the deadline or end of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "closing time" interchangeably with phrases that denote the end of a process or project. "Closing time" typically refers to the end of business operations for a day, not the completion of tasks or deadlines. Using phrases like "project deadline" or "completion date" may be more accurate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. It denotes a specific point in time when a business or event ceases operations for the day.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "closing time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies the end of operations for a business or event. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's typically employed to inform or indicate this specific time, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its usage extends across diverse platforms. When writing, it's advisable to clearly state the "closing time" and avoid confusing it with deadlines or project completion dates. Related phrases include "end of business hours" and "last call", each carrying subtle nuances that cater to different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end of business hours

More formal and precise, indicating the official conclusion of the working day.

end of service

Emphasizes the termination of a service period, suitable in formal announcements.

last call

Specifically refers to the final opportunity to order at a bar or restaurant.

time to shut down

Informal and direct, suggesting the cessation of activity.

final hour

Highlights the last segment of operational time before closure.

end of the line

Figurative and dramatic, implying the ultimate conclusion.

curfew

Implies a mandatory closing time, often enforced by authority.

sign off

Suggests the ending of a broadcast or communication.

lights out

Refers to the time when lights are turned off, signaling closure or bedtime.

end of play

Primarily used in sports or games to indicate the conclusion of the session.

FAQs

How is "closing time" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "closing time" usually indicates the end of business operations for a particular establishment. For example: "The announcement was made just before "closing time"." or "The shop's "closing time" is 10 PM".

What are some alternatives to "closing time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "end of business hours", "last call" (especially in bars), or simply "end of day".

Is it correct to say "the closing time is at..." or "the closing time is...?"

Both are acceptable. "The "closing time" is at 10 PM" specifies the exact time, while "The "closing time" is 10 PM" simply states the time of closure.

What is the difference between "closing time" and "closure"?

"Closing time" refers to the specific time when a business or establishment closes for the day. "Closure", on the other hand, refers to the act of closing or shutting down, which can be temporary or permanent.