close the document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to shut or exit a file or document on a computer or in a physical context. Example: "After reviewing the report, please remember to close the document before leaving the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Not yet," I answered, only too happy to close the document on my computer screen and open the Pawleys Island Realty Web site, thus commencing our annual hunt for the perfect vacation rental.

The New York Times - Travel

Close the document, then open the resulting image in Krita.

WikiHow

Click Finish and OK to save your changes and close the document properties window.

WikiHow

Open OpenOffice.org if it opens a document pane and not the one on the right, close the document by going to File > Close, NOT File > Exit.

WikiHow

Don't close the document if your writing has not been completed, otherwise when you reopen again, the same date with a different time will be displayed.

WikiHow

Print out the color portion of the document Close the document Open the document again Delete the color portions Print the black portion on the laser printer Save each edit of the project to its own file marked color or black if you need to print this again in the future.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Froman also received millions of dollars to divest himself from Wall Street investments that rely on a tax loophole that Mr. Obama has sought to close, the documents show.

The New York Times

Close the Documents folder.

WikiHow

He closed the document on his computer screen.

The New Yorker

Remember to always save important work before closing the document.

WikiHow

I hate to use the term 'lie,' but it's awful close". The files document how tightly the White House, in the form of Ickes, controlled the Democratic National Committee and used it as an arm of the Clinton-Gore reelection campaign.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to close a document on a computer, specify if you also want them to save it, for example, “save and "close the document".”

Common error

Avoid losing your work by always ensuring you save the document before you "close the document", especially if changes were made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the document" functions primarily as an imperative, used to instruct or direct someone to shut or exit a file. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used in direct instructions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close the document" is a grammatically correct and relatively common imperative phrase used to instruct someone to shut or exit a file. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in how-to guides and narrative contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can shift based on the surrounding text. When using the phrase, remember to specify whether saving is also required. Alternatives such as "shut the document" or "exit the document" can be used interchangeably, although the latter can imply quitting the application entirely. Ludwig AI confirms the usability and provides helpful alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut the document

Replaces "close" with a synonym, "shut", maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

exit the document

Uses "exit" instead of "close", suggesting a more formal or technical context.

quit the document

Similar to "exit", implying a termination of access or use.

save and close the document

Adds the action of saving before closing, emphasizing data preservation.

finish with the document

Shifts the focus to completing work with the document rather than the act of closing.

complete the document

Focuses on the completion of the document itself, suggesting it's finalized.

terminate the document

Uses a more formal term, "terminate", implying a final and irreversible action.

cease working on the document

A more verbose and formal way to indicate stopping work on the document.

conclude the document

Emphasizes the end or finalization of something within the document.

wrap up the document

Indicates finalizing or bringing the document to a conclusion.

FAQs

What is the difference between "close the document" and "exit the document"?

"Close the document" typically refers to shutting a specific file or window, while "exit the document" can imply quitting the application entirely. They are often interchangeable, but "exit" suggests a broader action.

What are some alternatives to "close the document"?

You can use alternatives like "shut the document", "exit the document", or "save and close the document" depending on the context.

How do I properly "close the document" to prevent data loss?

Ensure you save your work before you "close the document". Most applications will prompt you to save if there are unsaved changes, but it's good practice to save regularly.

Is it better to say "close the document" or "close out of the document"?

"Close the document" is more concise and grammatically preferred. "Close out of the document" is more colloquial and can sound redundant.