Temporary Closed or Temporarily Closed: Which One Is Correct?
A common point of confusion that arises when describing a short-term state of closure is whether to use temporary closed or temporarily closed. This post will clarify the correct usage and provide examples to help you avoid common mistakes.
Temporarily Closed
The phrase temporarily closed is grammatically correct. Here's why:
- Temporarily is an adverb, which modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a clause.
- Closed can function both as a past participle adjective, describing the state of being, and as a verb.
In the phrase temporarily closed, the adverb temporarily modifies the adjective closed, indicating the duration or manner of the closure. Additionally, when closed is used as a verb, temporarily modifies the verb:
✅ The store is temporarily closed for renovations. (closed used as an adjective)
✅ The office is temporarily closed due to electrical maintenance. (closed used as an adjective)
✅ The road is temporarily closed for construction work. (closed used as an adjective)
✅ The shop has temporarily closed after another break-in. (closed used as a verb)
✅ The café has temporarily closed because of staff shortages. (closed used as a verb)
✅ The museum has temporarily closed due to a power outage. (closed used as a verb)
Temporary Closure
If you wish to use the adjective temporary, you can pair it with the noun closure. This combination is also grammatically correct and can be used to describe a short-term closure:
✅ The store is undergoing a temporary closure for renovations.
✅ There is a temporary closure of the office due to electrical maintenance.
✅ There is a temporary closure of the road for construction work.
Common Mistake: Temporary Closed
A common mistake is to use temporary closed. This structure is incorrect because temporary is an adjective and cannot modify another adjective or a verb directly:
❌ The library is temporary closed for maintenance.
✅ The library is temporarily closed for maintenance.
❌ The gym is temporary closed due to pandemic restrictions.
✅ The gym is temporarily closed due to pandemic restrictions.
❌ The park has temporary closed for safety inspections.
✅ The park has temporarily closed for safety inspections.
Summary
To summarise, use temporarily closed to correctly describe a short-term state of closure, whether closed functions as an adjective or a verb. Use temporary closure when you want to use the adjective temporary. Avoid using temporary closed, as it is grammatically incorrect.
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Examples from the Media
A community resource well used by newcomers and the homeless will be temporarily closed in Parkdale as the public library branch undergoes an estimated three months of renovations. —Toronto Star (2019)
Analysts predict there will be many more closures to come as the data does not include outlets that were temporarily closed under lockdown rules when analysts visited and which might end up permanently shuttered. —The Guardian (2020)
The Children's Museum of Denver said in its statement that all reservations are canceled during its temporary closure. —The Washington Post (2022)
The temporary closure will enable the protection of the collection and the most efficient delivery of the project, the government said, and have the least impact on the Powerhouse, communities and audiences. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)
Recommended Further Reading
'Close' or 'Closed'?
'Environmental Friendly' or 'Environmentally Friendly'?
Real-World Examples of Misuse
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| The adverb temporarily is needed to modify the adjective closed. |
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