completely closed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely closed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is entirely shut or not open at all, often in contexts related to physical objects, systems, or situations. Example: "The store is completely closed on Sundays, so we won't be able to shop then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's completely closed off".

The Guardian - Music

"The borders should be completely closed.

Independent

The system is never completely closed.

The New Yorker

But stretches of Sutphin are completely closed.

The New York Times

The tube, of course, remains completely closed.

The Guardian

but the subway remains completely closed.

The Guardian

He was a completely closed book.

Harvard Business Review

Spina bifida occulta — The spinal column is not completely closed.

Harvard University

"The BBC haven't completely closed the door on Jeremy's return.

Independent

"The floor looked completely closed on his leg," she said.

The New York Times

But Iran is not a completely closed society.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely closed" in technical writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being closed and the implications of that closure. For instance, specify if it refers to a circuit, a valve, or a system.

Common error

Avoid using "completely closed" too frequently in metaphorical contexts, such as describing a person's emotional state. Overuse can weaken the impact. Instead, vary your language with more nuanced expressions like "guarded" or "unresponsive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely closed" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It signifies that something is entirely shut, inaccessible, or terminated. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely closed" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that is entirely shut or inaccessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is being closed. While alternatives like "totally shut" or "entirely sealed" exist, "completely closed" offers a straightforward and widely understood way to express finality and inaccessibility. The frequency analysis also confirms that News & Media is the most common context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally shut

Emphasizes the state of being entirely shut without any possibility of opening.

entirely sealed

Focuses on the aspect of being securely closed off, often implying an airtight or impenetrable barrier.

fully sealed

Similar to 'entirely sealed' but may also imply a process or action that has been completed to ensure closure.

firmly shut

Indicates a strong and secure closure, often suggesting a deliberate action to keep something closed.

tightly sealed

Highlights the compactness and security of the closure, preventing anything from entering or escaping.

utterly inaccessible

Shifts the focus from physical closure to the inability to access something, whether physically or metaphorically.

effectively blocked

Emphasizes the result of being closed, which is the prevention of passage or access.

absolutely restricted

Highlights the limited access to something, focusing on the limitations imposed by the closure.

incompletely open

It's the opposite of the phrase, usefull to create antithetical effects in writing

wholly isolated

Conveys a sense of separation and containment, emphasizing that something is completely cut off from its surroundings.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely closed" to describe something physically shut, like "The store is "completely closed" on Sundays". It can also describe systems or concepts, such as "The investigation is "completely closed" because of lack of evidence".

What are some alternatives to saying "completely closed"?

Alternatives include "totally shut", "entirely sealed", or "firmly shut". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of closure you want to emphasize.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "completely closed"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "completely closed" in metaphorical or abstract contexts can sound awkward. Consider more specific language if describing something like an idea or process that is finished or inaccessible.

What's the difference between "completely closed" and "partially closed"?

"Completely closed" means there is no opening or access whatsoever. "Partially closed", on the other hand, indicates that something is closed to some extent but not entirely, suggesting limited access or functionality.