SpeakUp

Grammar fix

close the window

shut a window

to move a window so that it is no longer open, usually to keep out cold air, noise, or for safety.

collocationB1core

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Could you please close the window? It's getting chilly in here.daily life
  • If the room feels cold, I usually close the window to keep the warmth inside.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: close the window

WrongClose the window, the noise comes in.

RightClose the window — the noise is coming in.

Use the present continuous for what's happening right now: 'is coming in'.

Patternclose the window

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please reposition the window to its fully closed state.

Natural Can you close the window?

'Reposition the window to its fully closed state' is robotic; 'close the window' is normal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • close the window
    the windowshutopenleave

Don't confuse it

Do not confuse with 'close the door' (for doors) or 'shut down' (for computers or machines).

Try it in Daily Speak →