Cool MateClose vs Close as any man would
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Close
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Close as any man would
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Close
| Close | Close as any man would | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kləʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd//🇺🇸 //kloʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd// |
| Meaning | To shut something, like a door or a window. | To be very close or intimate like a good friend. |
| Example | Please close the door before you leave. | They are close as any man would, sharing their secrets with one another. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | firmly, tightly, gently, firmly, tightly, gently, permanently, temporarily, officially, to, permanently, temporarily, officially, to | close friends, as close as friends, close relationship, close as family, close bond |
| Antonyms | open, start | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'close' with 'shut' – know when to use which., Using 'close' when referring to people (e.g., 'close the friend') instead of 'end' or 'finish'. | Using in formal writing where a more specific phrase is needed., Confusing the phrase with 'close to' which has different implications., Mispronouncing 'would' as it can change the meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'close' when talking about shutting physical objects like doors or books. It can also mean to finish something, such as a meeting. Avoid using it with people in most contexts, except in very informal conversations. | This phrase is used to express deep closeness or familiarity between individuals. It's appropriate in informal conversations but can be used in more serious contexts. It usually implies trust and openness. |
Frequently asked questions: Close vs Close as any man would
What's the difference between Close and Close as any man would?
Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Close as any man would: To be very close or intimate like a good friend.
Which is more common: Close and Close as any man would?
Close is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Close: Please close the door before you leave. Close as any man would: They are close as any man would, sharing their secrets with one another.
Can I use Close and Close as any man would interchangeably?
Not always. Close and Close as any man would are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.