close computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close computer" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used in the context of instructing someone to shut down or turn off a computer, but it is missing a necessary article. Example: "Please close the computer before you leave the office."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Close computer case.

WikiHow

If all is in order, close computer, restart and try again.

WikiHow

Once your router is set up, connect to the network from a computer, ideally a close computer close to the router.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The exam is closed book, closed computer, and closed calculator.

University of California, Berkeley

"When I sit at the computer the guard comes and touches my breasts, if I speak, he closes computer".

The Guardian - Opinion

Hitachi, which announced today that it was cutting almost 15,000 jobs, mostly in Japan, is closing computer monitor factories in Malaysia and in Singapore.

The New York Times

"When I sit at the computer the guard comes and touches my breasts, if I speak, he closes computer". As another woman reminded me: you can't lock a tent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The closest computer lab to the APAM department is the 251 Engineering Terrace/Gussman Lab. 5. Who should I call if there is a problem with my office or lab?

Columbia University

So I went with a pair of single-vision distance glasses and a pair of up-close computer glasses.

Los Angeles Times

So I picked up the phone and called the closest computer store.

HuffPost

Locate this man's closest computer from your location.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to stop using a computer, specify "shut down the computer" or "turn off the computer" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "close computer" without the article "the". The correct phrasing is "close the computer" or, more commonly, "shut down the computer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close computer" functions as an imperative, although grammatically incomplete. Ludwig AI points out that it's not standard English, typically requiring an article (e.g., "close the computer"). It's used to instruct someone to stop using the computer.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "close computer" might be understood in informal settings, it is grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, it's missing a necessary article. The preferred alternatives are "shut down the computer" or "turn off the computer". These alternatives provide clarity and grammatical correctness, fitting better in both formal and informal communication. When writing, always consider the context and audience to ensure the appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut down the computer

More grammatically correct and commonly used to describe turning off a computer.

turn off the computer

Similar in meaning to "shut down", emphasizes the action of deactivating the computer.

close the laptop

Specifically refers to closing a laptop, focusing on the physical action.

finished using the computer

Describes completing work on the computer, rather than just turning it off.

stop using the computer

Emphasizes ceasing computer use, broader than just shutting it down.

cease computer operations

A formal way of saying to stop using the computer.

power down the computer

Emphasizes cutting off the power supply to the computer.

exit the computer program

Focuses on closing a specific application rather than the entire system.

log off the computer

Specifically refers to logging out of a user account.

suspend computer activity

Suggests temporarily stopping computer use, like putting it to sleep.

FAQs

How do I properly ask someone to turn off their computer?

Instead of "close computer", use the more grammatically sound phrases "shut down the computer" or "turn off the computer".

What's a more formal way to say "close computer"?

A more formal alternative to "close computer" would be "cease computer operations", which is suitable for professional or technical contexts.

Is it ever correct to say "close computer"?

While not grammatically standard, "close computer" might be understood in informal contexts. However, it's always better to use "close the computer", "shut down the computer", or "turn off the computer" for clarity.

What's the difference between "close computer" and "close the laptop"?

"Close computer" is grammatically incorrect but generally implies shutting down a computer. "Close the laptop" specifically refers to the physical action of closing the lid of a laptop, which may or may not shut it down.