Close vs Nearby

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Close

Top 1,000 (very common) A1 verb

Nearby

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 adjective

	Close	Nearby
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/ˌnɪəˈbaɪ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˌnɪrˈbaɪ/"]/
Meaning	To shut something, like a door or a window.	close to a place
Example	Please close the door before you leave.	Her mother lived in a nearby town.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level	A1	B2
Part of speech	verb	adjective
Collocations	firmly, tightly, gently, firmly, tightly, gently, permanently, temporarily, officially, to, permanently, temporarily, officially, to	nearby attractions, nearby facilities, nearby stores
Antonyms	open, start	far, distant
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'.	Confusing with 'close' or 'next' without recognizing distance nuances., Using 'nearbys' as a plural, which is incorrect.
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.	Used to describe something that is a short distance away. Appropriate in casual and formal contexts. Avoid in very formal writing.

See it in real clips

Dr. Brand and Edmunds. They close?

This isn't like the army! You have to get close and get their brains on your suit.

The Lord Of The Rings › The return of the king

Very close now.

Dr. Brand and Edmunds. They close?

This isn't like the army! You have to get close and get their brains on your suit.

Close

Frequently asked questions: Close vs Nearby

What's the difference between Close and Nearby?

Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Nearby: close to a place

Which is more advanced: Close and Nearby?

Nearby is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Close and Nearby the same CEFR level?

Close: A1, Nearby: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Close and Nearby?

Close: verb, Nearby: adjective.

Can you show an example of each?

Close: Please close the door before you leave. Nearby: Her mother lived in a nearby town.

Can I use Close and Nearby interchangeably?

Not always. Close and Nearby 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.