close down — stop operating (business, shop, etc.)
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To stop operating permanently, especially for a business, shop, or organization.
Say it like a native
Textbook The establishment ceased its commercial operations permanently.
Native The shop closed down last year.
'Ceased commercial operations' is formal; 'closed down' is plain English.
Pattern: close down (something) / close (something) down
In use
- The old bakery had to close down because it wasn't making enough money.work
- In my hometown, several small shops have closed down in recent years due to competition from big supermarkets.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The café closed down its business.
✓ The café closed down. / They closed the café down.
When the business itself stops, it just 'closes down' (intransitive).
Common collocations
close down— the shop, the factory, permanently, for good
Don't confuse it
'Close' can mean to shut temporarily, but 'close down' means to shut permanently.