close the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to shut or finish working with specific documents, typically in a professional or academic context. Example: "After reviewing the files, please remember to close the documents before leaving the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 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

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

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

He closed the document on his computer screen.

The New Yorker

Remember to always save important work before closing the document.

WikiHow

Save and close the new document.

WikiHow

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "close the documents", be specific about which documents you're referring to, especially in environments where multiple sets of documents are in use.

Common error

Avoid using "close the documents" when you intend for the documents to be destroyed or permanently deleted. "Close" simply means to finish working with them, not to eliminate them. Use phrases like "delete the documents" or "destroy the documents" for permanent removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the documents" functions as a directive, instructing someone to finalize their interaction with specific documents. It implies completing the necessary actions related to the documents, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news and media sources, as well as wiki sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close the documents" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that serves as a directive to finalize work with particular documents. Ludwig identifies its usage as neutral and direct, suitable for both professional and general contexts. Though not extremely common, it’s readily understood, and alternatives like "finalize the documents" can be used for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finalize the documents

Focuses on bringing the documents to their ultimate, completed state.

complete the documentation

Highlights finishing the process of documenting something.

secure the documents

Emphasizes making the documents safe and protected.

wrap up the documents

Implies finishing all tasks related to the documents.

seal the documents

Suggests a formal and often legal closing of the document set.

shut down the documents

Similar to closing, but can imply stopping access or availability.

archive the documents

Focuses on storing the documents for future reference.

put the documents away

A more informal way of saying to store or finish using the documents.

cease work on the documents

Highlights stopping any further work or modifications on the documents.

file away the documents

Indicates placing the documents in a filing system for organization.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "close the documents" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "finalize the documents", or "complete the documentation". These alternatives convey a sense of completion and professionalism.

Is it correct to say "close out the documents" instead of "close the documents"?

While "close out the documents" might be used informally, it's generally more precise and professional to simply say "close the documents". The addition of "out" doesn't add significant meaning and can sound redundant.

What's the difference between "close the documents" and "archive the documents"?

"Close the documents" implies finishing working with them, while "archive the documents" means to store them for future reference. The former suggests ending a process, the latter suggests preserving information.

When is it appropriate to use "close the documents"?

It is appropriate to use "close the documents" after you have finished reviewing, editing, or otherwise working with specific documents and are ready to save and shut them. This phrase works well in both professional and general contexts.