Close vs. Shut

Both verbs refer to blocking an opening but they imply different manners of performing the act. This lesson will tell you about the difference between them.

What is the difference between 'close' and 'shut'?

Both 'close' and 'shut' refer to the act of covering an opening. However, 'shut' can refer to a more forceful or abrupt act that tightly seals an opening, while 'close' has a more neutral and general meaning. This lesson will further discuss this difference.

Difference in Manner

'Close' is a more general and neutral term that refers to the act of bringing together two parts or pieces to cover an opening or create a barrier. It can involve moving something into a position that obstructs or blocks access. 'Shut' also refers to the act of closing something, but it implies a more forceful or complete closure. It can suggest sealing or securing an opening tightly or closing an opening abruptly and forcefully. 'Close' and 'shut' are commonly used to talk about doors, windows, gates, eyes, or mouth. Here are some examples:

Please close the door when you leave.

I closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep.

He shut the door to keep out the noise from the hallway.

She shut the window to keep out the cold.

Comments

Loading recaptcha
  • linkedin
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • facebook
  • email

You might also like

Worry vs. Concern

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
These verbs are synonyms but are used in different grammatical structures. This lesson will clarify their difference.

Affect vs. Influence vs. Impact

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
These three verbs are related to causing a change in someone or something but they imply different degrees of change. Follow the lesson to find out more.

Form vs. Shape

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
These are both verbs that are concerned with the course of development of something but they affect different aspects. Follow the lesson to find out more.

Act vs. Perform

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
Both 'act' and 'perform' are used in the context of providing entertainment, but they are used in different contexts. Follow the lesson to find out more.

Avoid vs. Evade

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
both verbs mean to stay away from something but they are used in different contexts which we are going to discuss in this lesson

Finish vs. Complete

bookmark
In order to add to your bookmarks you must sign in
Both verbs mean to bring something to an end but they focus on different aspects of ending a task. Follow the lesson to find out about their difference.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek App