English Grammar

Close and Shut

Close and shut can often be used with the same meaning.

• She closed/shut her eyes against the light.
  
• All the shops were closed/shut, so I couldn't buy anything.
  
• The shop closes/shuts at seven o’clock.
  
• Could you close/shut the windows, please?
  
• Close/shut your eyes - I have a surprise for you.
  

The past participles closed and shut can be used as adjectives.

• The shop is closed/shut on Sundays.
  

Note that the past participle shut cannot be used before a noun. We can say a closed shop or door, but not a shut shop or door.

Cases where close is preferred

We prefer close for slow movements.

Compare:

• As we watched, he closed his eyes for the last time.
• Shut your mouth.

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