forced to close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forced to close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something, such as a business or event, is compelled to shut down or cease operations, often due to external circumstances. Example: "Due to the ongoing pandemic, many restaurants were forced to close their doors temporarily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We'll be forced to close".

The New York Times

Many chapels have been forced to close.

The Guardian - Travel

Many would be forced to close down".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1931 Hamleys was forced to close.

The Guardian - Business

Should Riverside be forced to close temporarily or permanently?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In Aceh, 17 churches were forced to close.

The New York Times

Many of them have now been forced to close.

The Economist

Will companies be forced to close the gender pay gap?

The Guardian

Jobs will be lost and factories forced to close.

The Guardian

Some control towers are forced to close in high winds.

The New York Times

"If it's forced to close, it'll kill off the region".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forced to close", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the closure, such as economic hardship, regulatory issues, or unforeseen circumstances. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "forced to close" when the entity willingly chooses to close for strategic reasons. "Decided to close" or "elected to discontinue" are more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forced to close" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to indicate that an entity (e.g., a business, school, or organization) was compelled to cease operations against its will, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forced to close" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes situations where an entity is compelled to cease operations due to external pressures. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news reports, academic articles, and wiki entries, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "compelled to shut down" and "required to cease operations" exist, "forced to close" remains a clear and direct way to convey this specific meaning. The primary contexts are News & Media, Academia, and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compelled to shut down

Emphasizes the act of being driven or obliged to close.

required to cease operations

Highlights the formal requirement or instruction to stop operating.

obliged to discontinue

Focuses on the duty or obligation to stop something.

constrained to terminate

Suggests limitations or restrictions that lead to closure.

left with no choice but to shutter

Implies a lack of alternatives, making closure the only option.

had to discontinue operations

States a past necessity to cease operations.

were made to cease functioning

Highlights an external force causing the cessation of activity.

under pressure to discontinue

Indicates external pressure as the cause of closure.

faced inevitable shutdown

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the closure.

met with unavoidable cessation

Highlights the unavoidable nature and formal cessation of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "forced to close" in a sentence?

You can use "forced to close" to describe a situation where an entity is compelled to shut down due to circumstances beyond its control. For example, "The business was "forced to close" due to the economic downturn."

What's the difference between ""forced to close"" and "decided to close"?

"Forced to close" implies external pressure or circumstances that necessitate closure, while "decided to close" suggests a voluntary decision made by the entity.

What are some alternatives to ""forced to close""?

You can use alternatives such as "compelled to shut down", "required to cease operations", or "obliged to discontinue depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use ""forced to close"" in formal writing?

Yes, "forced to close" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing factual events in news reports, academic papers, or business communications. The phrase is widely understood and carries a neutral tone.