the case is closed

USAGE SUMMARY

"the case is closed" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means that a particular matter or issue has been resolved and is no longer open for discussion. It can also indicate that a decision has been made or that a situation has come to an end. Example: After months of investigation, the case is finally closed and the culprit has been arrested.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Until the case is closed, it's not closed," said Aleksandr Cherkasov of the rights organization Memorial, who was a close friend of Mr. Markelov's.

The New York Times

The case is closed".

The New York Times

The case is closed, but questions persist.

Independent

"The case is closed," he said.

The New Yorker

"So the case is closed".

The New York Times

It is too simple and comfortable: blame the crew and the case is closed".

The New York Times

But with the aircraft now back in Thai possession, the case is closed.

The New York Times

Mr. Taveras politely declined to comment until the case is closed.

The New York Times

Zimmerman is relieved the case is closed, according to his attorney, Don West.

The Guardian

You have a legal problem, we work on it, and then the case is closed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He says he hopes the findings will provoke discussion among "all those who argue that the case is closed--surely, we are still learning".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the case is closed" to firmly indicate that a matter is resolved and requires no further discussion or action. It's best suited for scenarios where a decision is final and not subject to change.

Common error

Avoid using "the case is closed" if there's a possibility of new evidence emerging or if further review might be necessary. Prematurely declaring a case closed can undermine trust and appear dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the case is closed" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that a particular matter, typically an investigation, legal proceeding, or inquiry, has reached its conclusion. Ludwig examples showcase its use in announcing final verdicts or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the case is closed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a matter has reached its conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and understood in both formal and informal contexts. Its frequency and presence across various authoritative sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforce its reliability. While alternatives like "the matter is resolved" or "the issue is settled" exist, this expression provides a clear and direct way to communicate finality and prevent further discussion. Use it judiciously to signal resolution, but avoid premature closure that could undermine trust or require future reconsideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the file is closed

A more literal version of "the case is closed", with focus on physical documents being closed.

the investigation is over

Specifically refers to the end of an investigative process, a common context for closing a case.

the matter is resolved

Implies a problem or issue has been dealt with and settled, similar to a legal case being closed.

the issue is settled

Focuses on the settlement of a dispute or question, akin to concluding a case.

the decision is final

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of a judgment or resolution.

it's all wrapped up

A more informal way of saying something is finished or completed, like a closed case.

there's nothing more to discuss

Directly states that further discussion is unnecessary or unwelcome.

that's the final word

Indicates that a decision has been made and there will be no further discussion.

the end of the story

Suggests the conclusion of a narrative or series of events.

let's move on

Indicates a desire to stop dwelling on a past issue and focus on the future.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "the case is closed"?

Use "the case is closed" when a matter has been thoroughly investigated, a decision has been made, and no further action is required or possible. It signals finality and resolution.

What are some alternatives to "the case is closed"?

Alternatives include "the matter is resolved", "the issue is settled", or "it's all wrapped up", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "the case is closed" formal or informal?

"The case is closed" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While it can be used in professional settings, avoid it in very informal contexts. More casual alternatives might be better suited in such situations.

What does it mean when someone says "the case is closed"?

It means that a particular issue, investigation, or dispute has reached its conclusion, and no further discussion or action is expected. It implies that a final decision or resolution has been reached.