they are closed

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are closed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when referring to a business or place that is closed to the public, for example, "The stores are closed today due to the holiday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are closed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But they are closed.

The New York Times - Science

Calgary Courts confirm they are closed now.

The New York Times

"They are closed until further notice".

The New York Times

They are closed on Sunday.

The New York Times

They are closed, shut off, emotionally crippled.

The Guardian - Music

'No, they are closed,' she replies.

The Guardian - Travel

Do not worry about reopening them if they are closed.

University of California, Berkeley

Here, they are closed, the economy is in shambles.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are closed worlds based on proprietary standards.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are also inappropriately designed, because they are "closed-end".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are closed" to describe a temporary situation, specify the duration or reopening time if known. For example, "They are closed for renovations until next month".

Common error

Ensure that the referent of "they" is clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "they" refers to. For example, instead of "They are closed", write "The museums are closed" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are closed" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular entity or set of entities is currently not open or accessible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

9%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are closed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a state of unavailability. Ludwig AI highlights that this phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, with particularly high prevalence in News & Media sources, followed by Academia and Wiki. When using this phrase, ensure the referent of "they" is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "they are shut", "they are not open", or "they are unavailable". These alternatives offer similar meanings, allowing you to fine-tune your language to suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are shut

Replaces "closed" with the synonym "shut", maintaining the same meaning.

they are not open

Expresses the same idea using a negative construction.

they are inaccessible

Indicates unavailability, focusing on the inability to access something.

they are unavailable

Similar to inaccessible, emphasizing a lack of availability.

they are out of service

Suggests a temporary or permanent cessation of operation.

they are not operating

Similar to out of service, emphasizing a lack of operation.

they are not functioning

Focuses on the inability to perform a function.

they are not running

Implies the ceasing of a process or activity.

they are sealed

Indicates a secure closure, preventing entry or exit.

they are locked

Refers to the state of being secured with a lock.

FAQs

How do I use "they are closed" in a sentence?

Use "they are closed" to indicate that a place, service, or system is not currently open or available. For example, "The library is closed today" or "The application portals are closed for maintenance".

What can I say instead of "they are closed"?

You can use alternatives like "they are shut", "they are not open", or "they are unavailable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they're closed"?

Yes, "they're closed" is a contraction of "they are closed" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "they are closed" and "they are closing"?

"They are closed" indicates a current state of being shut or unavailable, while "they are closing" implies an action that is currently in progress or about to happen.