Wall Street Journal | March 15, 2012
"Markets close at record high as deal nears completion"
Close (verb) vs. Close (adjective) vs. Closed
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
Close (rhyming with "doze") is a verb meaning to shut or end something. Close (rhyming with "gross") is an adjective meaning nearby or near in relationship. Closed is an adjective meaning not open or unavailable.
Please close the window - the store is already closed. There's another shop close to here we could try instead.
A Deeper Look
Close (rhyming with "doze") is an action word - it's what you do when you shut or end something.
Can you close the curtains? It's getting dark outside.
The teacher asked everyone to close their books.
Close (rhyming with "gross") means nearby or almost - whether you're talking about physical distance or how similar things are.
The bus stop is close to my house.
The two sisters are very close to each other.
Closed describes something that isn't open or available right now.
The swimming pool is closed on Mondays.
Sorry, we're closed for lunch - please come back at 2pm.
Common Usage Patterns
Close (verb - rhymes with "doze")
close the door, close a deal, close an account, close the meeting
Close (adjective - rhymes with "gross")
close friend, close by, close call, close relationship, close to home
Closed
closed door, closed mind, closed circuit, closed for business, closed session
What Teachers Say
"The pronunciation difference between the verb and adjective forms of 'close' is crucial. I have students practise saying 'close the door' versus 'a close friend' to hear the difference."
-- Rachel, Toronto
"'Closed' is the easiest to teach because it always means something is not open. The challenge is helping students distinguish between the two pronunciations of 'close'."
-- David, London
"In business English, all three forms are common: we close deals, work with close associates, and find offices closed. Context usually makes the meaning clear."
-- Michael, Singapore
From The Headlines
The Guardian | September 8, 2018
"Hundreds of shops closed as retail chain collapses"
BBC News | December 3, 2023
"Election race too close to call in final days"
Test Yourself!
1. The library will _______ at 6 PM today. (verb)
2. They live very _______ to the beach. (adjective)
3. The shop is _______ on Sundays, so we'll need to _______ our shopping early, even though it's _______ to our house.
