What are the definitions of “close down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Close a shop, branch or business. permanently.
The banks have CLOSED DOWN a lot of branches in villages over the last few years.
- 2Stop an opponent being a challenge.
He CLOSED the player DOWN and stopped him being a threat.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “close down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb close down is to permanently shut down a business, shop, or branch. This can happen for various reasons, such as financial difficulties, lack of customers, or a change in ownership.
What are the different verb forms of “close down”?
| Root Verb | close down |
| Third Person Singular Present | closes down |
| Present Participle | closing down |
| Simple Past | closed down |
| Past Participle | closed down |
Example
Many small businesses had to close down during the pandemic.
Example
The store closes down at the end of the month.
Example
The factory is closing down due to financial problems.
Example
The restaurant closed down last year because of a lack of customers.
Example
Several shops have been closed down in the area recently.
What kind of phrasal verb is “close down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“close down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The owner closed down the store after 20 years in business.
Example
The government closed the factory down due to safety concerns.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“close down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The owner closed down the store after 20 years in business.
Example
The government closed the factory down due to safety concerns.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “close down”?
Good things to know
Does “close down” have an informal or formal tone?
Close down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or news reports.
