Are you confused about when to use close and when to use closed? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between them. In this article, we will explore the difference between close and closed, and when to use each one.
Let’s define the two words. Close is a verb that means to shut or fasten something. Closed is an adjective that describes something that is shut or not open.
So, when should you use close and when should you use closed? The answer depends on the context. If you are referring to an action, such as closing a door or a window, you would use close. If you are describing a state, such as a closed door or a closed window, you would use closed.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the different contexts in which close and closed are used, and provide examples of each.
Define Close
Close is a verb that can have a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Generally speaking, close means to bring something to an end or to shut something. Close can be used to describe the act of shutting a door, turning off a device, or ending a conversation.
Close can also be used to describe something that is near in space or time. For example, if someone is standing near you, they are close to you. If an event is scheduled to happen soon, it is close in time.
Additionally, close can be used to describe a relationship between two people. If two people are close, it means they have a strong bond or connection with one another.
Define Closed
Closed is an adjective that describes something that is shut or not open. It is the past participle of the verb close. Closed can be used to describe physical objects like doors, windows, or containers that are not open and cannot be accessed.
Closed can also be used to describe businesses or organizations that are not open for business. For example, if a store is closed, it means that it is not currently open for customers to shop.
Finally, closed can be used to describe a system or process that is not open to outside influence or interference. For example, a closed system in science is one that does not interact with its environment.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word to use in a sentence is crucial in conveying the intended meaning. In some cases, using a similar word can change the entire context of a sentence. This is particularly true for the words “close” and “closed.”
How To Use “Close” In A Sentence
The word “close” is often used as an adjective or a verb. As an adjective, it means near or not far away. For example:
- The store is close to my house.
- The two friends are very close.
As a verb, “close” means to shut or to bring together. Here are some examples:
- Please close the door when you leave.
- The company will close its doors next month.
It’s important to note that “close” can also be used as an adverb, meaning near or closely. For instance:
- The runner finished the race close behind the winner.
- The two teams were close in score throughout the game.
How To Use “Closed” In A Sentence
The word “closed” is an adjective that means not open or no longer in operation. Here are some examples:
- The store is closed on Sundays.
- The restaurant closed down due to financial issues.
It’s important to note that “closed” can also be used as a verb, meaning to shut or to close off. Here are some examples:
- The manager closed the store early due to the snowstorm.
- The construction workers closed off the road for repairs.
It’s crucial to use the correct word in a sentence to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. By understanding the different meanings and uses of “close” and “closed,” you can effectively communicate your message and avoid any misinterpretations.
More Examples Of Close & Closed Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between close and closed, let’s take a look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Close In A Sentence
- The store is close to my house.
- Please close the door when you leave.
- She was so close to winning the race.
- Let’s get close to the stage so we can see the band better.
- The two brothers are very close.
- The deadline for the project is getting close.
- He stood close to the fire to warm up.
- The restaurant is close on Sundays.
- She has a close relationship with her grandmother.
- The two teams are very close in skill level.
Examples Of Using Closed In A Sentence
- The store is closed on Sundays.
- She closed the book and put it away.
- The door was closed tightly.
- The company has closed its doors for good.
- The restaurant was closed due to health violations.
- He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
- The window was closed to keep the cold air out.
- The deal was closed after months of negotiations.
- The theater was closed for renovations.
- The case has been closed due to lack of evidence.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words close and closed, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion in communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Close” Instead Of “Closed” In The Past Tense
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “close” instead of “closed” in the past tense. For example, saying “I close the door” instead of “I closed the door.” This mistake can make your language sound unprofessional and unclear. Always use the correct past tense form of “closed” to avoid this mistake.
Using “Close” As An Adjective Instead Of “Closed”
Another common mistake is using “close” as an adjective instead of “closed.” For example, saying “The store is close” instead of “The store is closed.” This mistake can lead to confusion and miscommunication, as “close” can also mean near or nearby. Always use “closed” as the correct adjective form to avoid this mistake.
Using “Close” Instead Of “Near”
Using “close” instead of “near” is another common mistake. For example, saying “The store is close to my house” instead of “The store is near my house.” While “close” can mean near or nearby, it is not the correct word to use in this context. Always use “near” to describe proximity to a location.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Always double-check your language before speaking or writing to ensure you are using the correct form of “close” or “closed.”
- Read over your written work carefully to catch any mistakes before submitting or publishing.
- Consider using a grammar and spell-check tool to help catch any errors.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can improve your communication and avoid confusion in your language usage.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “close” and “closed,” context is key. These two words may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings that can drastically change the intended message. Understanding the context in which they are used is crucial to using them correctly.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following examples:
| Context | Example | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Proximity | The store is _______. | close |
| Time | The restaurant is about to _______. | close |
| Permanence | The door is _______. | closed |
| Completion | The deal is _______. | closed |
In the physical proximity and time contexts, “close” is the correct choice. When referring to something that is near or about to end, “close” indicates proximity or imminence. In the permanence and completion contexts, “closed” is the correct choice. When referring to something that is shut or finished, “closed” indicates finality or completion.
It’s important to note that these are not hard and fast rules, and context can vary depending on the situation. For example, in the context of a business deal, “close” could also be used to indicate that negotiations are near completion, while “closed” could be used to indicate that the deal has been finalized and is no longer open for negotiation.
Ultimately, choosing between “close” and “closed” requires careful consideration of the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word and how they can change the intended message, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using close and closed are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some cases where the rules might not hold true:
1. Compound Words
Compound words are words that are made up of two or more words that function as a single unit. In some cases, close and closed can be used interchangeably in compound words. For example:
- Close-up
- Closedown
- Close-knit
In these cases, close and closed have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.
2. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal definition of the words used. In some idiomatic expressions, close and closed can be used interchangeably. For example:
- Close ranks
- Closed ranks
- Close call
- Closed call
In these cases, close and closed have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.
3. Adjective + Preposition Combinations
Some adjective + preposition combinations can use either close or closed, depending on the intended meaning. For example:
| Adjective + Preposition | Meaning with “Close” | Meaning with “Closed” |
|---|---|---|
| Close to | Near in proximity | Shut or not open |
| Close with | On good terms with | Shut or not open |
| Close by | Near in proximity | Shut or not open |
As shown in the table, the meaning of these adjective + preposition combinations can change depending on whether close or closed is used.
By understanding these exceptions, you can use close and closed correctly in a variety of situations.
Practice Exercises
One of the most effective ways to improve your understanding and use of close and closed is through practice exercises. Here are some examples:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct form of close or closed to fill in the blank in each sentence.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The store is _______ on Sundays. | closed |
| Please _______ the door when you leave. | close |
| The teacher asked the students to _______ their books. | close |
| The bank is _______ at 5 pm. | closed |
| She _______ her eyes and took a deep breath. | closed |
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Form
Choose the correct form of close or closed to complete each sentence.
- He always keeps his wallet _______ to his body. (close/closed)
- The store will be _______ for renovations next week. (close/closed)
- She _______ the book and put it on the shelf. (close/closed)
- The restaurant is _______ on Mondays. (close/closed)
- He was _______ to tears when he heard the news. (close/closed)
Answer Key:
- close
- closed
- closed
- closed
- close
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of close and closed in sentences. Keep in mind that close is typically used as a verb, while closed is typically used as an adjective. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to pay attention to context when choosing which form to use.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances of the words “close” and “closed,” it is clear that they are not interchangeable. “Close” is a verb that refers to the act of shutting something, while “closed” is an adjective that describes something that is not open.
It is important for writers and speakers to use these words correctly in order to effectively communicate their intended meaning. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Key Takeaways
- “Close” is a verb that means to shut or fasten something.
- “Closed” is an adjective that describes something that is not open.
- These words are not interchangeable and using the wrong one can lead to confusion.
By paying attention to the context in which these words are used, and understanding their specific meanings, writers and speakers can ensure that their communication is clear and effective.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve communication skills and avoid common mistakes.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.