books closed

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasebusinessfinance

   having the accounts for a period officially finished and no longer open to changes.

   Grammar: Used after 'be' (the books are closed) or as a heading; it is not used before a noun.

   Patterns

   • the books are closed
   • with the books closed

   The books are closed for December, so no more invoices can be added.

   Once the books are closed, the auditor checks the final figures.

   We can discuss next year's budget only after the books are closed.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasebusinessfinance

   having stopped taking new business or new members for a period.

   Grammar: Often used of a fund, a club, or an event that is no longer accepting people or money.

   Patterns

   • the fund is books closed
   • books closed to new investors

   The fund is books closed until the next quarter.

   The club is books closed for the season, so no new members can join.

Common combinations

the books are closed

The books are closed, so we cannot change the report.

once the books are closed

Once the books are closed, the numbers go to the tax office.

books closed for the year

With the books closed for the year, the team celebrated.

books closed to new investors

The fund is books closed to new investors.

Synonyms and how they differ

accounts finalized

A more formal description of the same state; 'books closed' is shorter and used as a fixed phrase.

closed

Much more general: a shop can be closed, but only accounts are 'books closed'.

Opposites

Word family

close the books phrase

The action of finishing the accounts for a period.

closing the books phrase

The process of finishing the accounts.

Commonly confused: books closed or closed book?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “books closed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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