close the drapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'close the drapes' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate the act of closing curtains, most commonly the curtains or drapes on a window. Example: "It's so bright, let's close the drapes so we can watch the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

You would have to literally close the drapes, and you'd still feel warmth in the house.

The New York Times - Arts

I presented a first edition to my parents, who started with the story about our neighbor's well, and then got up to close the drapes.

The New Yorker

Each night table, in addition to the usual multifeatured telephone, has a control panel with buttons to open the drapes, buttons to close the drapes, buttons for the room lights, the hall lights, the bathroom lights and the do-not-disturb light.

The New York Times - Travel

She had just stopped drinking but not self-medicating: "To pass the endless hours before I could leave for the show without being ridiculously early," she writes, "I'd close the drapes of my tiny room, take a swig of Nyquil, toast with a simple 'Bye-bye' and go into a deep sleep".

The Guardian

Also, during summer months, to close the drapes.

WikiHow

A rod that requires you to open and close the drapes by hand is called a stationary rod.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I have trouble closing the drapes," she said.

The New York Times

After the owner left, Assange quickly closed the drapes, and he made sure that they stayed closed, day and night.

The New Yorker

We went back to the room, and I set up two small clay figures and closed the drapes.

The New Yorker

She signals back to him by opening and closing the drapes in the windows of their Nob Hill penthouse.

Forbes

He moved into his father's Lincoln Heights home, closed the drapes, placed heavy locks on the doors and lived in seclusion, venturing outdoors only for groceries or to take odd jobs, mostly in carpentry.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about saving energy, use "close the drapes" to highlight a simple action that reduces heat and light entry, keeping spaces cooler during summer and warmer during winter.

Common error

Don't assume "close the drapes" is only about blocking light. It's also about privacy, insulation, and setting a mood. Tailor your usage to the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the drapes" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where 'close' is the verb indicating the action and 'the drapes' is the direct object. It describes the act of shutting or drawing window coverings. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close the drapes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that instructs or describes the act of covering windows. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase fits seamlessly into various contexts, particularly News & Media and Wiki sources. While seemingly simple, the act of closing the drapes serves multiple purposes, from controlling light and ensuring privacy to conserving energy. When writing, remember that while "draw the drapes" and "shut the drapes" offer similar meanings, understanding the subtle nuances in tone and purpose ensures your message is precise and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close the curtains

Uses the synonym 'curtains' instead of 'drapes'.

draw the drapes

Uses 'draw' instead of 'close', implying a pulling motion to close the drapes.

shut the drapes

Replaces 'close' with 'shut', suggesting a more abrupt closing action.

pull the drapes shut

Combines 'pull' and 'shut' to emphasize the action of closing the drapes.

cover the windows with drapes

Focuses on the result of closing the drapes: covering the windows.

darken the room with drapes

Highlights the effect of closing the drapes, which is to make the room darker.

lower the drapes

Emphasizes the downward motion of closing, suitable for certain drape styles.

adjust the drapes to block light

Focuses on adjusting the drapes for light control.

ensure the drapes are closed

Shifts the focus to ensuring the drapes are in a closed position.

secure the drapes

Suggests making sure the drapes are firmly closed, possibly against wind or drafts.

FAQs

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

You can use "close the drapes" in sentences like, "It's getting late; let's close the drapes" or "To keep the room cool, remember to close the drapes during the day."

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

You can use alternatives like "draw the drapes", "shut the drapes", or "pull the drapes shut" depending on the context.

Is it better to "close the drapes" or "close the curtains"?

Both "close the drapes" and "close the curtains" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Drapes" often refer to heavier, more formal window coverings, while "curtains" is a more general term.

When should I "close the drapes"?

You should consider closing the drapes for privacy, to block out light (for sleeping or watching movies), or to insulate a room and conserve energy.