Are you confused about when to use “close” and “commence”? These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings that can make a big difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “close” and “commence” and provide examples of when to use each one.
Let’s define these two words. “Close” means to bring something to an end or to shut something, while “commence” means to begin or start something. So, if you’re trying to describe the end of a project or event, you would use “close,” and if you’re talking about the beginning of something, you would use “commence.”
It’s important to use the correct word in your writing to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear. In the following sections, we’ll explore different scenarios where you might use “close” or “commence.”
Define Close
In the context of business or finance, close refers to the process of ending a transaction or deal. It can also refer to the completion of a project or the termination of a contract. Closing a deal involves the exchange of goods, services, or money, and the signing of legal documents to formalize the agreement.
Furthermore, close can also refer to the termination of a business, such as when a company goes bankrupt or ceases operations. In this case, the assets of the company are liquidated, and the proceeds are used to pay off creditors and investors.
Overall, close is a term used to signify the end of something, whether it be a transaction, project, or business.
Define Commence
Commence, on the other hand, refers to the beginning or start of something. It can refer to the start of a project, the beginning of a new job, or the initiation of a legal process. Commencing a project involves planning, organizing, and preparing for the work that needs to be done.
Additionally, commence can also refer to the start of a business or a new venture. This involves the development of a business plan, securing funding, and establishing a legal entity. Commencing a business requires careful planning and research to ensure its success.
Overall, commence is a term used to signify the start or beginning of something, whether it be a project, job, legal process, or business venture.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. In this section, we will explore the proper use of the words “close” and “commence” to help you avoid common mistakes and improve your writing.
How To Use “Close” In A Sentence
The word “close” has several meanings, including near in space or time, to shut or fasten, and to bring to an end. Here are some tips on how to use “close” correctly in a sentence:
- Use “close” as an adjective to describe proximity, such as “The store is close to my house.”
- Use “close” as a verb to indicate shutting or fastening, such as “Please close the door.”
- Use “close” as a verb to indicate bringing something to an end, such as “The company will close its doors at the end of the year.”
- Be careful not to confuse “close” with “clothes,” which refers to garments worn on the body.
How To Use “Commence” In A Sentence
The word “commence” means to begin or start. Here are some tips on how to use “commence” correctly in a sentence:
- Use “commence” to indicate the beginning of an event or action, such as “The concert will commence at 8 pm.”
- Avoid using “commence” in place of “start” in informal writing or speech.
- Use “commence” in formal writing or academic contexts to convey a more precise meaning.
By following these tips, you can use “close” and “commence” correctly in your writing and avoid common mistakes. Remember to consider the context and meaning of the words before using them in a sentence.
More Examples Of Close & Commence Used In Sentences
When it comes to using the words “close” and “commence” in sentences, it’s important to understand the context in which they are being used. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in different contexts:
Examples Of Using Close In A Sentence
- The store will close at 9 pm tonight.
- It’s time to close this chapter in our lives and move on.
- Please close the door behind you when you leave.
- Let’s close the deal and sign the contract.
- The curtains are too close to the fireplace and could catch fire.
- I have to close my eyes and count to ten before I get angry.
- The company is looking to close a merger with its competitor.
- It’s important to close the lid on the container to keep the food fresh.
- The police were able to close the case after finding new evidence.
- We need to close the gap between the rich and the poor.
Examples Of Using Commence In A Sentence
- The ceremony will commence at noon.
- We will commence the project once we receive funding.
- Let’s commence the meeting with a moment of silence for those who have passed away.
- The concert will commence with the national anthem.
- The school year will commence on September 1st.
- We need to commence negotiations with the other party as soon as possible.
- The game will commence as soon as all the players arrive.
- It’s important to commence the day with a healthy breakfast.
- The company will commence production on its new product line next month.
- The festival will commence with a parade through the city streets.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s easy to get confused between words that have similar meanings. Close and commence are two such words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that should not be confused. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using close and commence:
Using Close Instead Of Commence
One common mistake people make is using close instead of commence. While both words refer to the beginning or end of something, they are not interchangeable. Close means to bring to an end or shut, while commence means to begin or start. For example, “The meeting will commence at 9 am” is correct, but “The meeting will close at 9 am” is incorrect.
Using Commence Instead Of Close
Conversely, people also make the mistake of using commence instead of close. While both words refer to the end of something, they are not interchangeable. Commence means to begin or start, while close means to bring to an end or shut. For example, “The store will close at 9 pm” is correct, but “The store will commence at 9 pm” is incorrect.
Using Close As An Adjective
Another common mistake people make is using close as an adjective to describe proximity or distance. While it’s true that close can be used as an adjective, it should not be used to describe distance or proximity. Instead, use near or nearby. For example, “The store is near my house” is correct, but “The store is close to my house” is incorrect.
Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Always double-check the definition of a word before using it.
- Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for words you’re unsure of.
- Read widely to improve your vocabulary and understanding of the English language.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and improve your use of close and commence in your writing and speech.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “close” and “commence,” the context in which they are used can play a significant role in determining which one is more appropriate. Both words have similar meanings, but their usage can vary depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “close” and “commence” might change:
| Context | Close | Commence |
|---|---|---|
| Business | When a company is closing its doors, it means it’s shutting down operations for good. | When a company is commencing a new project, it means it’s starting a new initiative or venture. |
| Sports | When a team is closing in on a victory, it means they are getting closer to winning. | When a game is commencing, it means it’s just starting. |
| Education | When a school is closing for the summer, it means it’s ending the academic year. | When a course is commencing, it means it’s starting at a specific time. |
As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “close” and “commence” can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to understand the nuances of each word to use them correctly and effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using close and commence are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where these rules might not apply. Below are some of the most common exceptions, along with explanations and examples for each case:
1. Close As An Adjective
When used as an adjective, close can mean “near” or “intimate,” and in this context, it is not interchangeable with commence. For example:
- The close relationship between the two companies
- The close proximity of the two buildings
In these cases, using commence would not make sense, as it would not convey the intended meaning.
2. Commence In Legal Contexts
In legal contexts, commence is often used to mean “to initiate a legal action or proceeding.” In this context, close would not be an appropriate substitute. For example:
- The plaintiff commenced legal proceedings against the defendant
Here, using close would not convey the same legal meaning as commence.
3. Close As A Verb Meaning “To Shut”
When close is used as a verb meaning “to shut,” it is not interchangeable with commence. For example:
- Please close the door when you leave
Using commence in this context would not make sense, as it would not convey the intended meaning.
Overall, while close and commence are generally interchangeable, there are a few exceptions where using one word over the other would not be appropriate. It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when deciding which word to use.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between close and commence, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Each exercise includes an answer key or explanation to help you check your work.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (close or commence) to fill in the blank in each sentence.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The store will ____ at 9pm tonight. | close |
| Let’s ____ our meeting with a quick review of last week’s progress. | commence |
| The team decided to ____ the project due to budget constraints. | close |
| We will ____ the festivities with a fireworks show. | commence |
| Can you please ____ the door? It’s getting cold in here. | close |
| The conference will ____ with a keynote address from the CEO. | commence |
Answer Key:
- Sentence 1: close
- Sentence 2: commence
- Sentence 3: close
- Sentence 4: commence
- Sentence 5: close
- Sentence 6: commence
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words close and commence correctly.
Example:
The restaurant will close at 10pm tonight.
Let’s commence the meeting with a quick review of last week’s progress.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word (close or commence) to complete each sentence.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The school year will ____ with a new principal. | commence |
| The store is about to ____ for the night. | close |
| Let’s ____ the meeting with a vote on the proposed plan. | commence |
| It’s time to ____ the book and say goodbye to the characters. | close |
| The concert will ____ with a performance by the headliner. | commence |
Answer Key:
- Sentence 1: commence
- Sentence 2: close
- Sentence 3: commence
- Sentence 4: close
- Sentence 5: commence
Conclusion
After reading this article, it is clear that understanding the difference between “close” and “commence” is crucial for effective communication. Here are some key takeaways:
Close
- Refers to shutting or ending something
- Can be used in a variety of contexts, such as closing a deal, closing a book, or closing a store
- Can also be used as a verb or an adjective
Commence
- Refers to starting or beginning something
- Typically used in formal or professional settings
- Can also be used as a verb or a noun
It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and to convey your message clearly. Remember that “close” is used to end something, while “commence” is used to start something.
As you continue to improve your grammar and language use, consider exploring other similar words and phrases to expand your vocabulary and communication skills.
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.