Close vs Seal: The Main Differences And When To Use Them

When it comes to the words close and seal, there can be some confusion as to which one is the correct term to use in certain situations. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide clarity on when to use each one.

Let’s define close and seal. Close means to shut or fasten something, while seal means to close tightly to prevent air, liquid, or gas from escaping or entering.

So, which one is the proper word to use? It depends on the context. If you simply need to shut or fasten something, then close is the appropriate word to use. However, if you need to prevent air, liquid, or gas from escaping or entering, then seal is the correct term.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the nuances of these two words and provide examples of when to use each one.

Define Close

Close refers to the act of shutting or fastening something, such as a door, window, or lid. It can also mean bringing two or more things together so that they are in contact or near to each other. In the context of containers, close can refer to the act of covering the opening with a cap, cork, or other device to prevent the contents from spilling out.

Define Seal

Seal, on the other hand, refers to the act of making something airtight, watertight, or otherwise secure by using a sealant, adhesive, or other material. Sealing is typically done to prevent the escape or entry of air, water, or other substances. In the context of containers, sealing can refer to the act of closing the opening with a lid or other device that forms an airtight seal to prevent the contents from leaking or spoiling.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between close and seal:

Close	Seal
Shut or fasten something	Make something airtight, watertight, or otherwise secure
Bring two or more things together	Prevent the escape or entry of air, water, or other substances
Typically done to prevent spillage	Typically done to prevent leakage or spoiling

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended message. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “close” and “seal” in a sentence.

How To Use “Close” In A Sentence

The word “close” has multiple meanings, which can make it confusing to use in a sentence. Here are some examples of how to use “close” correctly:

• As an adjective: “The store is close to my house.”
• As a verb: “Please close the door behind you.”
• As an adverb: “I am standing close to the edge.”
• As a noun: “The close of the business day is at 5 pm.”

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of “close” changes depending on its usage. When used as an adjective or adverb, it is pronounced with a long “o” sound (klohz). When used as a verb or noun, it is pronounced with a short “o” sound (klohs).

How To Use “Seal” In A Sentence

The word “seal” also has multiple meanings and can be used in different ways in a sentence. Here are some examples of how to use “seal” correctly:

• As a verb: “Please seal the envelope before you mail it.”
• As a noun: “The seal on the jar was broken.”
• As a noun (referring to an animal): “We saw a seal on the beach.”
• As a verb (referring to an animal): “The mother seal is nursing her pup.”

It’s important to note that the pronunciation of “seal” is always the same (seel).

By understanding the different meanings and usages of “close” and “seal,” you can use them correctly in your writing and communication.

More Examples Of Close & Seal Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between close and seal, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of each word used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Close” In A Sentence

• Can you please close the door behind you?
• The store is about to close for the night.
• She always likes to keep her curtains closed.
• He was so close to winning the race.
• I need to close this deal by the end of the day.
• Let’s close this chapter of our lives and move on.
• The restaurant is closed for renovations.
• The two friends are very close to each other.
• She was close to tears after hearing the news.
• Please close your eyes and count to ten.

Examples Of Using “Seal” In A Sentence

• The envelope was sealed shut.
• He used caulk to seal the cracks in the wall.
• The deal was sealed with a handshake.
• The package was sealed with tape.
• The team was able to seal the victory with a last-minute goal.
• The jar was tightly sealed to keep the food fresh.
• The letter was sealed with wax and a stamp.
• The contract was sealed with the CEO’s signature.
• The room was sealed off to prevent any air from escaping.
• The container was sealed to prevent any leaks.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the terms “close” and “seal,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Close” Instead Of “Seal”

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “close” instead of “seal” when referring to something that needs to be airtight or watertight. While “close” means to shut something, “seal” means to close something completely to prevent any air or liquid from passing through. For example, you can close a bag of chips, but you need to seal it to keep it fresh.

Using “Seal” Instead Of “Close”

On the other hand, some people use “seal” instead of “close” when referring to something that just needs to be shut. This mistake can be seen in sentences like “Can you please seal the door?” when the person just means to close it. “Seal” implies a more permanent and secure closure, whereas “close” is a more general term for shutting something.

Not Understanding The Context

Another mistake people make is not understanding the context in which these words should be used. For example, in the context of plumbing, “seal” is used to refer to the process of making a joint watertight, whereas in the context of packaging, “seal” is used to refer to the process of closing a package airtight. It’s important to understand the context in which these words are used to avoid making mistakes.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Read and understand the context in which the words are being used
• Use a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure you are using the correct word
• Think about the specific meaning you want to convey and use the appropriate word

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between close and seal, context is key. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific situation and the desired outcome. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between close and seal might change:

1. Packaging

In the world of packaging, the terms close and seal are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Closing a package simply means bringing the edges or flaps together to enclose the contents. Sealing, on the other hand, involves creating an airtight or watertight barrier to protect the contents from outside elements.

In this context, the choice between close and seal depends on the contents of the package and the conditions it will be exposed to. For example, a bag of chips may only need to be closed to keep them fresh, while a bag of flour may need to be sealed to prevent moisture from getting in and causing it to clump.

2. Engineering

In the world of engineering, the terms close and seal have very specific meanings. Close refers to the act of bringing two parts together, while seal refers to the act of creating a barrier between them to prevent the escape of fluids or gases.

In this context, the choice between close and seal depends on the specific application and the requirements for the joint. For example, a simple door may only need to be closed to keep out drafts, while a high-pressure vessel may need to be sealed to prevent dangerous leaks.

3. Communication

Even in the realm of communication, the choice between close and seal can have different meanings. For example, in email communication, closing a message simply means ending it, while sealing a message refers to encrypting it to protect its contents.

In this context, the choice between close and seal depends on the desired level of security and privacy. For example, a casual email to a friend may only need to be closed, while a sensitive business email may need to be sealed to protect confidential information.

Overall, the choice between close and seal depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the subtle differences between the two terms, you can make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using close and seal are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:

1. Close Vs Seal In The Context Of Packaging

When it comes to packaging, close and seal are often used interchangeably, but there are some exceptions. For instance, if you’re packaging perishable items, you need to seal the container to prevent air and moisture from getting in. In this case, closing the container might not be enough to keep the contents fresh.

Another exception is when you’re shipping hazardous materials. In this case, you need to seal the container to prevent any leaks or spills during transportation. Closing the container might not be enough to ensure the safety of the people handling the package.

2. Close Vs Seal In The Context Of Doors And Windows

When it comes to doors and windows, close and seal have different meanings. Closing a door or window means shutting it, while sealing it means making it airtight or watertight. In this context, close is used to refer to the action of shutting the door or window, while seal is used to refer to the process of making it airtight or watertight.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you’re trying to keep out noise or dust, you might use weatherstripping to seal the gaps around the door or window. In this case, seal is used to refer to the process of closing the gaps to prevent noise or dust from getting in.

3. Close Vs Seal In The Context Of Relationships

When it comes to relationships, close and seal have different connotations. Close is used to refer to emotional intimacy, while seal is used to refer to commitment. In this context, close is used to describe the emotional connection between two people, while seal is used to describe the act of making a commitment to each other.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, in some cultures, a close relationship might be sealed with a handshake or a hug. In this case, seal is used to refer to the act of making the relationship official or formal.

Summary of Exceptions

Context	Close	Seal
Packaging	Closing might not be enough to keep contents fresh	Sealing is necessary to prevent leaks or spills
Doors and Windows	Close refers to shutting, Seal refers to making it airtight or watertight	Seal can also refer to closing gaps to prevent noise or dust from getting in
Relationships	Close refers to emotional intimacy	Seal refers to commitment, but can also refer to making a relationship official or formal

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of close and seal in sentences is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that you can try:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct word (close or seal) to complete the sentence:

1. He carefully ________ the envelope before putting it in the mailbox.
2. The store will ________ early on Christmas Eve.
3. She tried to ________ the deal with a handshake.
4. The lid on the jar wouldn’t ________ properly.
5. Can you ________ the door? It’s getting cold in here.

Answer Key:

1. sealed
2. close
3. close
4. seal
5. close

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (close or seal) to complete the sentence:

1. She used a glue gun to ________ the edges of the fabric together.
2. The park will ________ early today due to the weather.
3. He was able to ________ the window just in time before the storm hit.
4. The store is going out of business and will ________ its doors next week.
5. Can you ________ the bag so nothing falls out?

Answer Key:

1. seal
2. close
3. close
4. close
5. seal

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of close and seal in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct word accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “close” and “seal” is subtle but significant. While both words refer to the act of making something shut or secure, “close” implies a physical action of bringing two things together, while “seal” implies a more permanent and secure closure. It is important to use these words correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• The word “close” refers to physically bringing two things together, while “seal” implies a more permanent closure.
• Both words can be used to describe the act of shutting or securing something, but “seal” is more specific and implies a higher level of security.
• It is important to use these words correctly in order to avoid confusion and accurately convey the intended meaning.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to expand your knowledge and understanding, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.