close the door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the door" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to physically close a door. For example: "Please close the door when you leave the room."

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And close the door.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then you close the door.

The New Yorker

We didn't close the door.

Independent

"Close the door," he'd say.

The New York Times

We can close the door.

The New York Times

He couldn't close the door.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Time to close the doors".

Huffington Post

"I closed the door.

The New York Times

And closed the door.

The New Yorker

… closes the door.

The New Yorker

Lutz closed the door.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, such as business or politics, ensure the 'door' represents a specific opportunity or path to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly add 'up' to create 'close up the door'. While 'close up' is valid for shops or wounds, using it for a simple door is often redundant and less precise than the standard "close the door".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the door" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In most Ludwig examples, it appears as an imperative command or as an infinitive following a main verb. Ludwig AI confirms it follows the standard English [verb] + [direct object] structure, where "door" receives the action of being closed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close the door" is a fundamental pillar of the English language, exhibiting a high degree of versatility across literal and figurative domains. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not only grammatically correct but also a high-frequency expression in both prestigious journalism (The New Yorker) and practical guides (WikiHow). Whether used as a simple imperative or a metaphor for ending an opportunity, its meaning remains clear and unambiguous. Writers should feel confident using it in any register, though they may opt for synonyms like shut the door when looking for a more emphatic or informal tone. Overall, it is a reliable, error-free choice for describing the act of sealing an entrance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shut the door

Perfect synonym, often implying a slightly more abrupt or final action.

pull the door shut

Describes the specific physical movement required to close the door.

push the door closed

Focuses on the mechanical action of applying pressure.

secure the entrance

Much more formal, typically used in security or military contexts.

block the entryway

Focuses on stopping access rather than just the mechanism of the door.

seal the room

Implies an airtight or complete closure, often for safety or scientific reasons.

end the negotiation

The metaphorical equivalent used in business contexts.

close the gate

Specific to a different type of entrance but carries the same logical weight.

draw the curtains

A related action of closing an opening, though for light/privacy rather than entry.

shuts the door

The third-person singular present form of the synonym.

FAQs

How to use "close the door" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct command like "Please "close the door" behind you" or descriptively as in "He decided to "close the door" on that chapter of his life".

What can I say instead of "close the door"?

You can use alternatives like "shut the door", "pull the door shut" or ""secure the entrance"" depending on the context.

Which is more formal, "close the door" or "shut the door"?

"close the door" is generally considered slightly more neutral and professional, whereas "shut the door" can sound more blunt or informal in certain spoken contexts.

What is the difference between "close the door" and "closes the door"?

"close the door" is the base form (used for commands or after 'to'), while "closes the door" is the third-person singular form used for subjects like he, she or it.