What are the definitions of “close up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Completely close something.
They CLOSE UP the building after everyone has left.
- 2Join together.
The leaves CLOSE UP when it rains.
- 3Move closer together.
They CLOSED UP when they saw the gang coming towards them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “close up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb close up is to completely close something, such as a door, window, or building. It is often used when referring to closing a place after everyone has left or when securing a location.
What are the different verb forms of “close up”?
| Root Verb | close up |
| Third Person Singular Present | closes up |
| Present Participle | closing up |
| Simple Past | closed up |
| Past Participle | closed up |
Example
Please close up the windows before you leave the house.
Example
She closes up the store every night at 9 pm.
Example
He is closing up the garage after fixing the car.
Example
They closed up the cabin for the winter.
Example
The shop had been closed up for months before it reopened.
What kind of phrasal verb is “close up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“close up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She closed up the store after everyone left.
Example
He closed the windows up before leaving the house.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“close up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She closed up the store after everyone left.
Example
He closed the windows up before leaving the house.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “close up”?
Close up shop
To stop doing business, either temporarily or permanently.
Example
After 30 years in business, they decided to close up shop and retire.
Close up view
A detailed or close view of something, often used in photography or film.
Example
The photographer captured a beautiful close up view of the flower.
Close up a wound
To stitch or seal a wound to promote healing.
Example
The doctor closed up the wound with stitches after the surgery.
Good things to know
Does “close up” have an informal or formal tone?
Close up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
