close this window

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close this window" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to shut a window on a computer or in a physical space. Example: "If you're done with that application, please close this window to free up some space on your screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Once you get rid of the differences in the microbiome then you close this window of risk," he said.

The Guardian

Sometimes the narration gives way to disjointed fragments, offered in quotations, which read as salvaged lines from other, failed attempts: "'A body just outside of town'… 'The motorcyclists are lost on the highway' … 'No one will ever close this window again' …" These breakdowns read as an unwillingness to discard or turn away from failure as a valid result.

The Guardian - Books

If not, close this window.

TechCrunch

Users could close this window with a tap, but the same pop-up would reappear at regular intervals.

TechCrunch

She added: "The main risk I see now is that we close this window of opportunity for internal dialogue and for dialogue with Russia".

BBC

For starters, you can close this window (and if you've made it this far, please reward yourself with a treat), stand up and look out a window.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Sections 201 through 207 of the Criminal Code lay out the legal conditions around what does, and doesn't, constitute legal gambling — so help me god if you close this browser window now I will reach through your monitor and — and they're, generally, pretty arcane.

Vice

Click OK a second time to close this second window.

WikiHow

This will close the window for editing the font list and you should be able to see the new font that you have added appear in the list of other fonts that could previously be seen and selected in Dreamweaver.

WikiHow

When you are finished with the terminal, you can type exit, but this will not close the window.

WikiHow

This will not close the window, but will allow you to test things out to see if they are to your liking.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions for software users, ensure clarity by specifying the method to close the window, such as clicking the "X" icon or using a keyboard shortcut. For example: "To close this window, click the 'X' in the upper-right corner or press Alt+F4."

Common error

Avoid vague instructions that could lead to user confusion. Instead of just saying "close the window", specify which window and how, especially when multiple windows are open or the interface is not intuitive. For example: "To close the settings window, click the 'Apply & Close' button."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close this window" primarily functions as an imperative, directing the listener or reader to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It directly commands the closure of a window, whether physical or digital, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close this window" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase instructing the closure of a window, be it digital or physical. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, with prevalence in Wiki instructions, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. While adaptable, it's crucial to ensure clear instruction by specifying the method of closure, especially in technical documentation or user interfaces. Alternatives like "shut this window" or "exit this window" can be used depending on the specific context. It is important to keep in mind the context to make sure you are not using vague instructions that could lead to user confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shut this window

Replaces "close" with the synonym "shut", maintaining the same meaning and level of formality.

Exit this window

Uses "exit" instead of "close", suggesting a more formal or technical context, especially in software applications.

Dismiss this window

Replaces "close" with "dismiss", implying that the window is a notification or alert that needs acknowledgment.

Terminate this window

Uses "terminate" for "close", suggesting a forceful or abrupt closure, usually in a technical or error-handling context.

Hide this window

Implies that the window is not being fully closed but rather concealed from view, offering a different user experience.

Return to the previous screen

Offers a way to close the window while hinting at a navigational alternative, shifting the focus from closing to navigating.

Remove this window from view

Replaces "close" with the phrase "remove from view", which provides a different and softer feel to the user experience.

Put away this window

Replaces "close" with the phrasal verb "put away", which provides a different feel to the user experience.

Navigate away from this window

Suggests moving to a different location, whether that be on a device's operating system or in a home.

Make this window disappear

Uses a simpler verb and provides a sense of relief or satisfaction.

FAQs

What does "close this window" mean in computing?

In computing, "close this window" typically means to terminate the display of a particular application or dialog box on a computer screen, freeing up system resources and returning the user to a previous state or display.

Are there keyboard shortcuts to "close this window" on different operating systems?

Yes, common keyboard shortcuts include Alt+F4 on Windows, Cmd+W or Cmd+Q on macOS (Cmd+Q closes the application), and various shortcuts depending on the window manager in Linux environments. These shortcuts provide quick alternatives to clicking the close button.

What can I say instead of "close this window" in a user interface?

Alternatives for user interfaces include "dismiss this window" for temporary notifications, "exit this window" for ending an application's session, or "hide this window" if the intent is to minimize rather than terminate the display.

Is "close this window" appropriate for technical documentation?

Yes, "close this window" is generally appropriate for technical documentation as it is clear and widely understood. However, it may be beneficial to provide more specific instructions depending on the audience and their level of technical expertise, for example, by specifying the exact button or menu option to use.