closure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "closure" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means the act of bringing something to an end or the end of something. For example, "The closure of the factory put dozens of people out of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ministers may want to sweep these events under the carpet, but the scars of the dispute and the subsequent closure programme remain on the memories, communities and landscapes of all coalfield communities.

The Guardian

In January 2011, we asked the community to borrow every book (16,000) in our library in protest of its proposed closure.

The Guardian - Books

He said companies faced severe fines or closure if they failed to comply with new rules on payment of wages, standards of accommodation and other aspects of the employment of migrant workers in the hyper-wealthy Gulf emirate.

The Guardian

After 16 days of government closure, Congress acted late Wednesday to reopen federal parks and offices and resume federal services.

The Guardian

In announcing the planned closure of the 114-year-old school in early March, Sweet Briar leaders described the reason as "insurmountable financial challenges".

The Guardian

The announcement also has united Sweet Briar graduates from around the world in hopes of reversing the decision and the local county attorney has attempted to blunt the closure through the courts.

The Guardian

But the need to dispose of the mounting number of corpses cheated some of the chance for closure.

The Guardian

Within the first year of the Metropolitan Interments Act's operation, the home secretary, Lord Palmerston, had issued closure notices to nearly 200 sites.

The Guardian

The letter, released under the Freedom of Information Act, concluded: "Scargill could immediately announce that the NUM will continue its policy of opposing the closure of pits for economic reasons".

The Guardian

A secret report, released under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed: "The area director was wrong to announce closure... it has not yet been confirmed by the board".

The Guardian

Burrowes blames the scarcity of advertising dollars for the closure of mX.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "closure" in the context of emotional healing, ensure it's clear what specific event or relationship is being resolved. Providing context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "closure" as a quick fix for deep emotional wounds. True emotional resolution often requires time, reflection, and professional support. Don't expect a single event or conversation to provide instant "closure".

Linguistic Context

The word "closure" primarily functions as a noun. It refers to the act of closing or shutting something, or the state of being closed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it also often denotes a sense of finality, resolution, or an ending, particularly in emotional contexts, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "closure" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, ranging from the physical act of closing to the more abstract concept of emotional resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The primary context for its usage is in news and media, describing events, business dealings, and social issues. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the specific meaning of "closure" you intend to convey, especially in emotional contexts, and avoid oversimplifying the process of achieving emotional resolution. While generally neutral in register, awareness of your audience and purpose is key to choosing the right vocabulary. Related terms like "resolution", "settlement", and "completion" can provide alternative options depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end

A simpler, more direct term for bringing something to a halt.

completion

Highlights the state of being finished or brought to an end.

conclusion

Signifies the summing up of an argument or process.

resolution

Focuses on resolving an issue or problem, offering a sense of completion.

sense of finality

Highlights the feeling that something is definitively over.

finality

Emphasizes the definitive nature of the ending, leaving no room for further discussion.

settlement

Implies an agreement or conclusion, particularly in legal or financial contexts.

achieving resolution

Emphasizes the act of reaching a conclusive outcome.

termination

Refers to the formal ending of something, often a contract or agreement.

resolution of grief

Specifically addresses the emotional aspect of overcoming loss.

FAQs

How to use "closure" in a sentence?

You can use "closure" to describe the end of something, such as "The factory's "closure" resulted in job losses", or to describe an emotional resolution, such as "Therapy helped her find "closure" after the relationship ended".

What can I say instead of "closure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resolution", "settlement", "termination", or "completion".

Is "closure" only used in emotional contexts?

No, "closure" can be used in various contexts, including business ("the "closure" of the deal"), mathematics (the "closure" of a set), and general endings (the "closure" of the event).

What's the difference between "closure" and "conclusion"?

"Conclusion" generally refers to the end of a process or argument, while ""closure"" often implies a sense of finality or resolution, especially in emotional or practical matters.