move to close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move to close" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or discussions, to propose ending a debate or closing a topic for further discussion. Example: "I would like to move to close the discussion on this matter and proceed to the next agenda item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, DeVecchio made no move to close Scarpa.

The New Yorker

"We will move to close companies which do not comply".

The New York Times

The latter was led by Edgar Bronfman, Jr., who had spearheaded the move to close down Napster, back in 2001.

The New Yorker

However, Osborne made no specific mention of the move to close the BGS in his speech to parliament.

The Guardian

Nursing-home experts said the move to close Holly Patterson reflected a national push toward smaller nursing homes.

The New York Times

Delhi's move to close some of the factories last month set off rioting among workers and owners.

The New York Times

The Russian service was maintained, however, and any move to close or reduce it would also be controversial.

The Guardian

His latest move to close three ChildLine call centre offices – switching one to an online operation – drew flak.

The Guardian

Salomon officials said his departure was not part of a move to close all its bond arbitrage business.

The New York Times

In Asia, political decisions like Japan's move to close its remaining nuclear power plants after the disaster at the country's Fukushima reactor have increased demand for L.N.G. imports.

The New York Times

In effect, any move to close The Sun would have imperiled all three publications, which together occupy a central role in British newspapering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "move to close" in a formal setting, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what is being closed, such as "move to close the meeting" or "move to close the debate".

Common error

Avoid using "move to close" in casual conversations; it sounds overly formal and stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "let's wrap up" or "time to finish" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move to close" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to introduce a formal proposal or suggestion. It typically serves to signal the end of a discussion or process, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move to close" is a grammatically correct and very common expression, primarily used in news, formal business settings, and scientific writing to suggest formally ending a discussion or process. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for professional and neutral registers, while overuse in informal contexts should be avoided. Consider more casual alternatives like "let's wrap up" in less formal settings. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take steps to conclude

Emphasizes the actions taken to reach a conclusion; more formal.

initiate the shutdown

Specifically refers to starting the process of closing something down.

begin to finalize

Highlights the commencement of the finalization process.

start to conclude

Indicates the beginning of the concluding phase.

act to terminate

Focuses on the action of ending or terminating something.

proceed towards completion

Suggests forward movement toward finishing something.

shift to ending

Highlights a change in direction towards the end.

transition to shutting down

Emphasizes the process of changing over to a shutdown state.

resolve to complete

Focuses on the determination to bring something to completion.

undertake to finish

Implies a commitment to finishing a task or process.

FAQs

What does "move to close" mean?

The phrase "move to close" typically means to formally propose ending a discussion, debate, or process. It's often used in meetings or formal settings to suggest that the topic should be concluded.

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

You might say, "I'd like to "move to close" the discussion on this proposal and proceed to the next item on the agenda."

Are there alternatives to "move to close"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "take steps to conclude", "begin to finalize", or "start to conclude".

Is "move to close" appropriate for informal conversations?

Generally, no. "Move to close" is quite formal. In informal settings, consider using more casual alternatives like "let's wrap up" or "time to finish".