close a window

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close a window" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as giving instructions or describing actions. Example 1: "After finishing your work, please remember to close a window to prevent any drafts from coming in." Example 2: "John stood up and walked over to close a window, as the sun was shining in too brightly." Example 3: "To keep the room quiet, Lucy decided to close a window and put on some music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I could close a window," Wilbur offered.

The New Yorker

Windows has a built-in shortcut to close a window and all its parent windows simultaneously.

The New York Times - Tech

She said she got out of bed to close a window.

The New York Times

He crossed the room to close a window, because he didn't want the neighbors to hear us.

The New Yorker

But it also concluded that ruling out the euro would close a "window of opportunity" for Britain to exert influence in Europe.

The New York Times

You may go to close a window only to see outside, on the sill, a bunch of bunnies on a camping trip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

If you closed a window with multiple tabs open, you can reopen the window by selecting "Reopen Last Closed Window" from the "History" menu.

WikiHow

When a door closes, a window opens.

The New Yorker

Closing a window himself seems like old times.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes when one door closes, a window opens somewhere else," he said, according to a report in The Denver Post.

The New York Times

Closing a window takes a few seconds while browsing the web is an exercise in frustration.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close a window" to indicate a general action, but "close the window" when referring to a specific, previously mentioned window.

Common error

Don't replace the simple phrase "close a window" with overly formal or complex alternatives unless the context specifically requires it. Simplicity often enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close a window" functions as an imperative or descriptive statement, often used to instruct someone to perform an action or to describe a common activity. Ludwig examples show it in varied contexts ranging from noise reduction to weather protection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close a window" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves as a simple and direct way to describe the action of shutting a window, suitable for various contexts ranging from casual conversation to more formal instructions. Ludwig's examples show its presence across News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. For alternatives, consider phrases like "shut a window" or "close the window" depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut a window

Uses a different verb but conveys the same physical action.

close the window

Specifies a particular window is being closed.

secure a window

Implies closing the window for safety or protection.

latch a window

Focuses on the act of fastening the window shut.

bolt a window

Suggests a stronger method of securing the window.

draw the window closed

Emphasizes the action of pulling the window shut.

seal a window

Indicates making the window airtight.

board up a window

Implies covering the window with boards for protection.

close off a window

Indicates blocking or preventing access through the window.

cover a window

Describes the action of covering the window from either side.

FAQs

How to use "close a window" in a sentence?

You can use "close a window" in sentences like, "It's getting cold; can you close a window?" or "He got out of bed to close a window because of the noise outside".

What can I say instead of "close a window"?

Alternatives include "shut a window" or "close the window" depending on the context.

When should I use "close a window" versus "close the window"?

"Close a window" refers to the general action of closing any window. "Close the window" refers to a specific window that has already been mentioned or is understood in context.

Is "close up a window" a correct alternative to "close a window"?

While "close a window" is standard, "close up a window" is less common and may imply sealing or securing the window more thoroughly. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.