Meaning trap
close down
stop operating (business, shop, etc.)
To stop operating permanently, especially for a business, shop, or organization.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop operating permanently, especially for a business, shop, or organization.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: close down (something) / close (something) down
WrongThe café closed down its business.
RightThe café closed down. / They closed the café down.
When the business itself stops, it just 'closes down' (intransitive).
Patternclose down (something) / close (something) down
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Ceased commercial operations' is formal; 'closed down' is plain English.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
close downthe shopthe factorypermanentlyfor good
Don't confuse it
'Close' can mean to shut temporarily, but 'close down' means to shut permanently.