Cool MateClose vs Lock it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Close
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Lock it
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Close
| Close | Lock it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɒk ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɑk ɪt// |
| Meaning | To shut something, like a door or a window. | To secure something by closing it. |
| Example | Please close the door before you leave. | Make sure to lock it before you leave the house. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | firmly, tightly, gently, firmly, tightly, gently, permanently, temporarily, officially, to, permanently, temporarily, officially, to | lock it up, lock it down, lock it securely |
| 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'. | Confuse with 'unlock it', which means to open something., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'lock' without specifying what is locked. |
| 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. | Use 'lock it' when referring to securing doors, cabinets, or devices. Suitable for most contexts. Avoid slang situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Close vs Lock it
What's the difference between Close and Lock it?
Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Lock it: To secure something by closing it.
Which is more common: Close and Lock it?
Close is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Close: Please close the door before you leave. Lock it: Make sure to lock it before you leave the house.
Can I use Close and Lock it interchangeably?
Not always. Close and Lock it 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.