properly closed

USAGE SUMMARY

'properly closed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a task or process having been completed in an orderly and effective manner, for example, "The legal dispute was properly closed last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The door on their cage reportedly wasn't properly closed and the pair, dubbed Bonnie and Clyde by zoo staff, fled.

The Guardian

Some of the boxes were too full to be properly closed, others were half-empty, with only a few books knocking around inside, making an ominous sound.

The New Yorker

Fox said she had been told the former Wham! star had tried to adjust his door because it was not properly closed and had fallen out.

The Guardian - Music

He locked the car but took the time to check door by door, shaking each one vigorously to make sure that they were all properly closed.

The New Yorker

Still, she said, the reality is, "if you have doors that can open, you're never going to be able to guarantee that they're properly closed".

The New York Times

The door management system (DMS) is a safety-critical system in an aircraft which checks if all doors are properly closed and the cabin has the correct pressure.

Computers & Operations Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Be sure to properly close child-resistant containers.

Harvard University

But before that happens, baseball must properly close the previous chapter.

The New York Times - Sports

Didn't properly close trivia app and let it suck me dry.

The New Yorker

You are left holding the literary equivalent of a broken accordion, a book that will never properly close again.

The New York Times - Books

She made up for all the time she had missed with her family, she got properly close to her niece and nephew, she lived a regular life.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about safety procedures, use "properly closed" to emphasize that a specific closure is essential for preventing accidents or malfunctions. For example, "Ensure the safety valve is properly closed after each use."

Common error

While "properly closed" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in overly casual contexts where simpler words like "shut" or "sealed" would suffice. Overusing formal language can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly closed" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the state of being closed. It specifies the manner in which something is closed, emphasizing that it is done correctly or according to a required standard. As shown in Ludwig, it often modifies nouns related to containers, doors, or systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "properly closed" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something being closed in the right manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase often emphasizes adherence to a specific standard or procedure, especially for safety or efficacy. It's frequently used in contexts such as news reports, scientific documents, and instructional guides, where accuracy is important. While versatile, avoid overusing "properly closed" in informal settings where simpler alternatives like "shut" or "sealed" may be more appropriate. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the method of closure holds significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely closed

Underscores the thoroughness and absence of any opening.

effectively sealed

Focuses on the result of the action – that it's sealed in such a way that it is useful.

correctly sealed

Focuses on the right procedure of closing something.

tightly sealed

Emphasizes the impermeability and prevention of leakage or entry.

securely fastened

Focuses on the tightness and reliability of the closing mechanism.

suitably sealed

Highlights that the way that something is sealed is appropriate.

appropriately sealed

Highlights that the way that something is sealed is pertinent.

firmly shut

Highlights the effort or force used to close something.

well secured

Focuses on the safety and protection provided by the closure.

soundly closed

Emphasizes the robustness of the closing.

FAQs

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

You can use "properly closed" to describe something that has been shut or sealed in the correct way, such as, "The container must be "properly closed" to prevent contamination."

What's the difference between "properly closed" and "securely closed"?

"Properly closed" implies that something has been closed according to the correct procedure, while "securely closed" emphasizes that it's closed in a way that prevents unauthorized access or opening. They can be interchangeable depending on the context, but "securely closed" specifically highlights the aspect of security.

What can I say instead of "properly closed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "securely fastened", "tightly sealed", or "firmly shut".

When is it important to use "properly closed" instead of just "closed"?

Using "properly closed" is important when the manner of closure is critical. For example, in scientific experiments or safety procedures, specifying that something is "properly closed" indicates that a specific method was followed to ensure the closure's integrity.