student asking question

What is different between "close" and "close down"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

To "close" and to "close down" in this context pretty much have the same meaning, there is just a slight difference in nuance between the two. To "close down" implies that you are closing something physically by shutting it down or tearing it down. To "close down" also implies that something is permanently closed while to "close" just means to stop operating something for a temporary period of time. Ex: The restaurant isn't in business anymore. They closed down. Ex: The store is closed, we'll have to come back tomorrow.

Popular Q&As

04/17

Complete the expression with a quiz!