Are you guilty of using “shut” and “close” interchangeably? It’s a common mistake, but there is a difference between the two words. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of “shut” vs. “close” and provide guidance on when to use each one.
Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Shut” means to close something with force or to block access. “Close,” on the other hand, means to bring something together to cover an opening or to end a discussion or event.
Now, which one is the proper word to use? It depends on the context. In general, “shut” is used when you want to emphasize the forceful nature of closing something. For example, you might say “I shut the door” if you slammed it in frustration. “Close,” on the other hand, is more neutral and can be used in a wider variety of situations. For example, you might say “I closed the door quietly” if you didn’t want to disturb someone.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll explore specific situations where one word is more appropriate than the other. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use “shut” vs. “close.”
Define Shut
Shut can be defined as the act of closing something with force or firmly. It implies a complete cessation of access or entry. When something is shut, it is usually done so with the intention of preventing any further access or entry. Shut can also be used to describe the state of being closed, such as a door or window that has been shut and cannot be opened without effort.
Shut is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, a business may shut down for the day, indicating that it is no longer open for business. A person may shut off a device, such as a computer or television, to indicate that it has been turned off completely. Shut can also be used in a figurative sense, such as shutting out negative thoughts or emotions.
Define Close
Close can also mean to bring something to an end, but it is generally used in a less forceful manner than shut. When something is closed, it may still be accessible or able to be reopened. For example, a store may close for the night, but it will reopen the next day. Similarly, a book or movie may come to a close, but it can be revisited or reopened at a later time.
Close can also be used to describe the proximity of something. When something is close, it is near or in close proximity to something else. This can be used to describe physical distance, such as being close to a city or landmark, or emotional distance, such as being close to a friend or family member.
Overall, while shut and close can be used interchangeably in some contexts, they have distinct differences in meaning and usage. Understanding the nuances of these words can help to ensure clear and effective communication in both spoken and written language.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using shut and close interchangeably is a common mistake made by many people. While both words mean to seal or block off an opening, they have different contexts and meanings. This section will provide guidance on how to correctly use shut and close in a sentence.
How To Use “Shut” In A Sentence
The word shut refers to the act of closing something firmly, sealing it off or making it inaccessible. It is often used to describe the action of closing a door, window, or gate. Here are some examples of how to use shut in a sentence:
- She shut the door quietly and tiptoed away.
- He shut his eyes and took a deep breath before jumping off the cliff.
- The store will shut down for renovations next week.
It is important to note that shut is a transitive verb, which means it requires an object to act upon. For example, you cannot say “she shut” without specifying what she shut. Always use an object after shut to make it a complete sentence.
How To Use “Close” In A Sentence
The word close can be used in various contexts, such as proximity, relationships, and time. In the context of sealing or blocking off an opening, close is often used to describe the act of bringing two things together until they touch. Here are some examples of how to use close in a sentence:
- He closed the book and put it back on the shelf.
- The restaurant will close for the night at 10 pm.
- The curtains were drawn to close off the room from the rest of the house.
Unlike shut, close can be used as a transitive or intransitive verb. It can be used with or without an object. For example, you can say “the store will close” or “the store will close its doors”.
It is important to note that close can also be used as an adjective, meaning near in distance or time. For example, “the closest gas station is five miles away” or “we are close to achieving our goal”.
More Examples Of Shut & Close Used In Sentences
Understanding the nuances between shut and close can be a challenging task. Here are some examples of how these two words can be used in sentences to help you differentiate between them.
Examples Of Using Shut In A Sentence
- The store will shut down early today due to the snowstorm.
- Please shut the door behind you when you leave the room.
- She shut her eyes tightly, trying to block out the noise.
- The company decided to shut down its operations in the region.
- He shut the book and placed it on the shelf.
- The authorities may shut down the factory due to safety concerns.
- She had to shut down her computer to install the new software.
- The manager threatened to shut down the project if the team didn’t meet the deadline.
- He shut the gate to keep the dog from running away.
- The teacher had to shut down the discussion because it was getting off-topic.
Examples Of Using Close In A Sentence
- Can you please close the window? It’s getting chilly in here.
- The store will close in ten minutes, so please make your purchases quickly.
- We need to close the deal before the end of the month.
- He always makes sure to close all the blinds before he goes to bed.
- The restaurant will close for renovations next month.
- The team was able to close the gap in the score during the second half of the game.
- She had to close her bank account because she was moving to a different city.
- He was finally able to close the book on his past and move on with his life.
- The company will close its fiscal year with record profits.
- She asked her colleague to close the door so they could have a private conversation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using shut and close, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. Although they may seem like synonyms, there are subtle differences between the two that can make a big difference in your writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Shut” Instead Of “Close”
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “shut” instead of “close.” While these two words may seem interchangeable, there are some subtle differences that can make a big difference in your writing. For example, “shut” implies a more forceful action than “close.” If you say that you “shut the door,” it implies that you did so with some force or urgency. On the other hand, if you say that you “closed the door,” it implies a more gentle action.
Another common mistake is using “shut” when you mean “close” in a figurative sense. For example, you might say “I shut my mind to the possibility of failure” when what you really mean is “I closed my mind to the possibility of failure.” In this case, “shut” implies a more final action than “close,” which is not what you intended to convey.
Using “Close” Instead Of “Shut”
Another common mistake people make is using “close” instead of “shut.” While these two words may seem interchangeable, there are some subtle differences that can make a big difference in your writing. For example, “close” implies a more gentle action than “shut.” If you say that you “closed the gate,” it implies that you did so gently and without force. On the other hand, if you say that you “shut the gate,” it implies a more forceful action.
Another common mistake is using “close” when you mean “shut” in a literal sense. For example, you might say “I closed the window” when what you really mean is “I shut the window.” In this case, “close” does not convey the same sense of urgency or forcefulness that “shut” does.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to pay close attention to the context in which you are using these words. Consider the tone and meaning you want to convey, and choose the word that best fits that context. If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to find the right word for the job.
When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and use the word that conveys the exact meaning you intend. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “shut” and “close,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between shut and close might change:
Doors And Windows
When referring to doors and windows, both “shut” and “close” are commonly used. However, there are some subtle differences in their usage. “Shut” is often used when referring to a forceful or abrupt closing, while “close” can refer to a gentler or more deliberate action. For example:
- “Please shut the door quietly so you don’t wake the baby.”
- “Can you close the window to keep out the cold breeze?”
Business And Finance
In the world of business and finance, the choice between “shut” and “close” can have different connotations. “Shut” can be used to refer to the ending of a business or operation, while “close” can be used to refer to the completion of a financial transaction. For example:
- “The company had to shut down due to financial difficulties.”
- “We need to close the deal before the end of the quarter.”
Technology
When it comes to technology, “close” is often used to refer to shutting down a program or application, while “shut” can refer to turning off a device or system. For example:
- “I need to close all my open tabs before I can shut down my computer.”
- “Make sure to shut off your phone before takeoff.”
Overall, the choice between “shut” and “close” can depend on the context in which they are used. By paying attention to the nuances of each word, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using shut and close are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the nuances of the English language to use the correct word.
Exceptions For Shut
- Shut up: This phrase is commonly used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. However, it is important to note that this is a colloquialism and should not be used in formal writing.
- Shut in: This phrase is used to describe someone who is confined to a small space or unable to leave their home. For example, “During the pandemic, many people were shut in their homes for months.”
- Shut out: This phrase is used to describe someone who is excluded or denied access to something. For example, “I was shut out of the meeting because I arrived late.”
Exceptions For Close
- Close call: This phrase is used to describe a situation where something almost went wrong or someone narrowly avoided danger. For example, “That was a close call – I almost got hit by a car.”
- Close ranks: This phrase is used to describe a situation where a group becomes more united or protective of each other. For example, “After the scandal, the company closed ranks and refused to comment.”
- Close to: This phrase is used to describe something that is almost or nearly something else. For example, “The temperature is close to freezing.”
It is important to keep in mind these exceptions when using shut and close to ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Practice Exercises
Learning how to use shut and close correctly can be challenging, especially for non-native English speakers. The following practice exercises will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either shut or close:
- Can you please _____ the door? It’s getting cold.
- She always _____ her eyes when she’s angry.
- He forgot to _____ the window before leaving the house.
- The store is going to _____ early today for inventory.
- I like to _____ my laptop when I’m not using it.
Answer Key:
- close
- shut
- shut
- close
- shut
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- He always _____ the door softly so as not to wake the baby.
- Can you _____ the lid on the jar for me?
- She _____ her eyes and took a deep breath before answering the question.
- The store is going to _____ early today for inventory.
- I like to _____ my eyes and relax for a few minutes after a long day.
Answer Key:
- shuts
- close
- closed
- shut
- close
By practicing these exercises, you will become more confident in using shut and close correctly in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence to determine which word is the best fit. With time and practice, you will master the use of these two words in no time!
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between shut and close, it is clear that these two words are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings and usage.
Shut is typically used to describe the action of closing a door, window, or container, while close can have a broader range of meanings, such as bringing two things together or ending a relationship.
It is important to pay attention to context and usage when deciding which word to use in a given situation. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or misunderstanding, and can also impact the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their writing and communication skills, and avoid common mistakes and pitfalls.
Remember that language is a powerful tool, and choosing the right words can make all the difference in conveying your message clearly and effectively.
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.