Phrasal verb
close down
Definition
phrasal verb. to stop operating a business or factory forever.
phrasal verb. to cease operations permanently, typically in reference to a commercial or industrial enterprise.
Examples
“The old cinema had to close down last month.”
“Many small shops on the high street are closing down because of high rents.”
“The government decided to close down the coal mines despite fierce opposition from the local community and trade unions.”
Examples
simple
“The old cinema had to close down last month.”
contextual
“Many small shops on the high street are closing down because of high rents.”
complex
“The government decided to close down the coal mines despite fierce opposition from the local community and trade unions.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “close down” in context.
Verb
01. decide to close down
“The owners decided to close down the factory after thirty years of operation.”
verb + infinitive
02. force the shop to close down
“High rents and low sales eventually forced the shop to close down.”
verb + noun + infinitive
03. threaten to close down
“The government threatened to close down any business that did not follow the new safety rules.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
04. permanently close down
“The local library will permanently close down at the end of this month.”
adv + verb
05. suddenly close down
“The website suddenly closed down without giving any warning to its users.”
adv + verb
Usage
can be used with or without a direct object.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'shut down', which can be temporary (like a computer), whereas 'close down' usually implies a permanent end to the business.
Pitfall
The shop was closed down by the owner.
The owner closed the shop down.
while both are grammatically correct, learners often forget that this phrasal verb is optional in its separability when using a noun object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
close + (object) + down
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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