Mastering "At Closing Time": A Simple Guide for ESL Learners

Have you ever been asked to leave a store or library because it was getting late? Understanding when places like shops, cafés, or offices shut down is crucial, especially when you're learning English. The phrase "at closing time" is an essential adverbial phrase that helps describe exactly when a venue finishes its operations for the day. This guide will help you understand its meaning, how to use it naturally in sentences, and avoid common mistakes, boosting your fluency in English.

Table of Contents

• What Does “At Closing Time” Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “At Closing Time”?
• Example Sentences with “At Closing Time”
• When and How to Use “At Closing Time”
• Summary and Practice Tip

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What Does “At Closing Time” Mean?

The adverbial phrase "at closing time" refers to the specific moment when a business, public place, or event officially stops operating for the day. It's the end of business hours. You use it to indicate when something happens in relation to the closing of a venue. For example, a shop might lock its doors at closing time, or a library might announce its last call for books. It functions as a verb modifier, telling us more about the action's timing.

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What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is “At Closing Time”?

The phrase "at closing time" is an adverbial phrase of time. It tells us when an action occurs.

Grammatically, it breaks down like this:

• "at": This is a preposition, specifically used for specific points in time (like hours, holidays, or specific moments).
• "closing": This is a present participle used as an adjective here, modifying "time."
• "time": This is a noun.

Together, "at closing time" forms a prepositional phrase functioning adverbially.

You can typically place this phrase in a sentence in two main positions:

• At the end of a sentence (most common):
  • Subject + Verb + [Adverbial Phrase]
  • The café closes at closing time.
  • We need to leave at closing time.
• At the beginning of a sentence (for emphasis):
  • [Adverbial Phrase], Subject + Verb
  • At closing time, the staff started cleaning.
  • At closing time, all customers must exit.

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Example Sentences with “At Closing Time”

Let's see how to use "at closing time" in natural English sentences. Pay attention to how it helps describe when actions happen.

• The museum staff begin preparing to leave at closing time.
• Please return all library books to the desk at closing time.

Here are some short dialogues:

• Person A: Do we have much more time to shop?

• Person B: Not really. They announce the store will close at closing time very soon.

• Person A: I hope to finish this report today.

• Person B: Don't worry, you can stay until at closing time if you need to.

When and How to Use “At Closing Time”

You'll hear and use this phrase most often in everyday conversations related to businesses and public venues. It's a versatile phrase that fits well in both formal and informal contexts.

Typical use cases include:

• Giving instructions: "Please be ready to exit at closing time."
• Describing a routine: "The janitors always start cleaning at closing time."
• Talking about events: "The concert venue usually empties out quickly at closing time."

A common mistake is to confuse "at closing time" with simply "closing." While "closing" can also refer to the act of closing, "at closing time" specifically pinpoints the moment of closure. Also, remember to include the preposition "at." We don't say "closing time" alone when referring to the specific moment, unless it's part of a compound noun like "closing time procedures."

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "closing time" is a noun phrase defined as "the time when a shop, bar, or other business stops being open for the day." When used with "at," it specifically refers to that exact point in time.

Summary and Practice Tip

In summary, "at closing time" is a useful adverbial phrase of time that tells us when a business or venue shuts its doors for the day. It helps to modify verbs by specifying the exact moment an action occurs in relation to the end of operations. Remember to use "at" before "closing time" to refer to this specific point in time. It's a simple phrase that will make your English sound more natural.

To practice, try writing your own sentences using "at closing time." Think about your favorite shop, library, or café. What happens there at closing time? Share your sentences with a friend or in an online English learning group. For more help with English grammar and adverbial phrases, explore our other articles!