close properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close properly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to when something needs to be closed securely, or for when an object should be shut in accordance with the instructions or guidelines. For example, "Make sure to close the drawer properly before leaving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Regurgitation – The valve doesn't close properly.

Harvard University

Some of the doors didn't close properly".

The New York Times

Doors that won't close properly may be out of alignment.

The New York Times

SUBARU Some Subaru sunroofs may not close properly.

The New York Times

The eyes won't close properly, leaving them open to infection.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dust coated the furnishings and doors did not close properly.

The New York Times

Hundreds of leaded windows do not close properly, creating draughts and security risks.

The Economist

Smoke doors did not open or close properly at 41 schools.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the chest of drawers and one wardrobe were damaged – the doors didn't close properly.

The Guardian - Money

The doors must fit into the opening correctly or they will not open and close properly.

The New York Times

The problem with the dryer was that the door wouldn't close properly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a mechanical issue, specify what prevents something from closing properly. For example: "The door doesn't "close properly" because the hinges are misaligned."

Common error

While "close properly" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from stronger alternatives like "seal effectively" or "latch securely" for enhanced precision and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close properly" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "close" to specify the manner in which the action is performed. It indicates that something should be shut or sealed in a correct and effective way. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close properly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the correct manner of closure. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. While versatile, consider stronger alternatives like "seal effectively" or "latch securely" in more formal settings. Remember to be specific about why something fails to "close properly" and follow best practices to prevent errors. The phrase communicates the importance of performing a closing action correctly, and various authoritative sources widely use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut correctly

Replaces "close" with its synonym "shut" and maintains the adverb "correctly" which conveys the proper manner of closure.

close completely

Emphasizes that there are no openings left when something is closed.

close tightly

Focuses on the firmness of the closure, indicating no gaps or looseness.

close securely

Highlights the safety and stability of the closure.

seal effectively

Emphasizes the act of sealing rather than just closing, implying a complete and secure closure.

close perfectly

Indicates an ideal closure without any flaws.

fasten securely

Highlights the secure aspect of closing, suitable for contexts where preventing opening is crucial.

close as intended

Specifies that the closure is achieved according to its design or purpose.

latch completely

Focuses on the latching mechanism ensuring a full and proper closure.

fit snugly

Suggests a tight and precise fit when closing, suitable for describing how well parts connect.

FAQs

How can I use "close properly" in a sentence?

You can use "close properly" to describe an action that ensures something is shut or sealed correctly. For example, "Make sure you "close properly" the container to prevent any leaks."

What's the difference between "close properly" and "close completely"?

"Close properly" implies that something is closed in the correct manner, whereas "close completely" emphasizes the absence of any openings. The choice depends on whether you're focusing on the method or the result.

What can I say instead of "close properly"?

You can use alternatives like "shut correctly", "seal effectively", or "fasten securely" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify 'properly' when talking about closing something?

No, specifying "properly" isn't always necessary. However, it adds emphasis that the action must be performed correctly to achieve the desired outcome, especially when incorrect closure could lead to negative consequences.