Mastering the Past Tense of “Close”: Forms, Usage & Common Pitfalls

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The verb “close” is one of the most common and versatile verbs in English. Its primary meaning is to shut something, but it can also mean to end or conclude an activity, event, or meeting, or to complete a transaction or deal. Because of its multiple uses, understanding how to correctly use the past tense of “close” is essential for anyone learning English.

Mastering the past tense helps you communicate clearly when describing completed actions or events in the past — whether you’re telling a story, recounting an experience, writing a report, or negotiating a business deal. This is especially important for ESL/EFL learners, teachers, writers, and professionals who need to use English accurately and confidently.

This comprehensive guide offers an in-depth, step-by-step explanation of the verb “close” in the past tense. We’ll cover its definitions, verb forms, grammatical structures, extensive examples, usage rules, exceptions, common mistakes, advanced tips, and plenty of practice exercises with answers. You’ll also find numerous tables, diagrams, and examples to support your learning.

Let’s unlock the secrets of using “closed” correctly in all contexts!

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1. What Does “Close” Mean?

The verb “close” has several related meanings:

  • To shut something physically: to move something so that it is no longer open.
  • To end or conclude an activity/event: to bring something to an end.
  • To complete a transaction or agreement: to finalize a business deal or contract.

Dictionary definitions with examples:

  • To shut: “to move (a door, window, or container) so that things cannot get in or out.”
    Example: She closed the door quietly.
  • To end/conclude: “to bring (a meeting, event, or period) to an end.”
    Example: The ceremony closed with a speech from the mayor.
  • To complete a deal: “to successfully complete or finalize a business transaction.”
    Example: They closed the deal yesterday.

3.2. What is the Past Tense of “Close”?

The simple past and past participle of “close” is “closed”. Since “close” is a regular verb, we simply add -ed to form its past tense.

This form is used both for the simple past tense (Yesterday, I closed the shop) and the perfect tenses (I have closed the file).

3.3. Grammatical Classification

Verb Type: Regular Verb

Transitivity:

  • Transitive (most common): requires an object (He closed the window).
  • Intransitive: sometimes used without an object (The shop closed at 6 PM).

Verb Forms of “Close”:

Base Form Past Simple Past Participle Present Participle/Gerund 3rd Person Singular
close closed closed closing closes

3.4. Function of Past Tense

The past tense form “closed” is used to:

  • Describe completed actions or events in the past.
  • Narrate stories or recount experiences.
  • Report past facts or results.
  • Give instructions or describe sequences of actions retrospectively.
  • Signal the end of an activity, negotiation, or period.

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1. Forming the Past Tense of “Close”

Because “close” is a regular verb, creating its past tense is straightforward:

  • Add -ed to the base form: close → closed.

Pronunciation Tip: The -ed ending in “closed” is pronounced with a /d/ sound, but due to the final /z/ sound in “close,” it often sounds like /kloʊzd/.

Comparison Table:

Base Form Past Tense Form Pronunciation (IPA)
close closed /kloʊzd/

4.2. Affirmative Sentences

Structure: Subject + closed + (object/complement)

Example: She closed the window.

4.3. Negative Sentences

Structure: Subject + did not (didn’t) + base form (close) + (object/complement)

Example: He didn’t close the store yesterday.

4.4. Interrogative Sentences

Structure: Did + subject + base form (close) + (object/complement)?

Example: Did you close the door?

4.5. Short Answers

Affirmative: Yes, I did.

Negative: No, I didn’t.

Question Affirmative Answer Negative Answer
Did you close the window? Yes, I did. No, I didn’t.
Did they close the deal? Yes, they did. No, they didn’t.

4.6. Spelling Rules for Regular Verbs

  • For most verbs, simply add -ed: close → closed
  • Double consonant rules do not apply here (e.g., stop → stopped), because “close” ends with a vowel + consonant + silent “e.”
  • No irregularities or spelling changes for “close.”

5. Types or Categories

5.1. Different Meanings of “Closed” in Past Tense

  • Completed physical action: She closed the book.
  • Event conclusion: The conference closed at 5 PM.
  • Business or location closure: The bank closed last year.
  • End of a negotiation or deal: They closed the deal yesterday.

5.2. Active vs. Passive Voice

Active Voice: The subject performs the action.

Example: He closed the window.

Passive Voice: The subject receives the action.

Example: The window was closed (by him).

Active Sentence Passive Sentence
She closed the door. The door was closed (by her).
They closed the store. The store was closed (by them).
He closed the file. The file was closed (by him).

5.3. Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

Past Simple: Action finished in the past, often with a specific time.

Example: They closed the shop at 6 PM.

Present Perfect: Action happened at an unspecified time before now or has relevance to the present.

Example: They have closed the shop (recently).

Past Simple Present Perfect Time Reference
They closed the shop yesterday. They have closed the shop. Specific time vs. unspecified/recent
We closed the deal last week. We have closed the deal. Completed in past vs. relevance now

6. Examples Section

6.1. Basic Past Tense Examples

  1. She closed her eyes.
  2. They closed the shop early.
  3. He closed the window before leaving.
  4. We closed the deal yesterday.
  5. The bank closed last year.
  6. I closed my account last month.
  7. The school closed at 3 PM.
  8. John closed the file after reading.
  9. The concert closed with fireworks.
  10. Mary closed the book and smiled.

6.2. Examples by Meaning

Physical Action:

  1. She closed the car door gently.
  2. He closed the lid tightly.
  3. I closed the curtains when it got dark.
  4. The child closed her eyes and slept.
  5. They closed all the windows before the storm.

Event Conclusion:

  1. The meeting closed at noon.
  2. The festival closed with a parade.
  3. The ceremony closed after the speech.
  4. The store closed at 8 PM.
  5. The exhibition closed on Sunday.

Business/Location Closure:

  1. The restaurant closed after 20 years.
  2. The factory closed last December.
  3. The branch closed two months ago.
  4. The cinema closed permanently.
  5. The library closed during the renovation.

Transaction Completion:

  1. They closed the deal yesterday.
  2. She closed the agreement last week.
  3. The company closed the acquisition in 2020.
  4. We closed negotiations quickly.
  5. He closed the sale successfully.

6.3. Examples by Sentence Type

Affirmative:

  1. She closed the window.
  2. They closed the shop early.
  3. He closed the file.
  4. We closed the deal.
  5. I closed the book.

Negative:

  1. She didn’t close the window.
  2. They didn’t close the shop on time.
  3. He didn’t close the file properly.
  4. We didn’t close the deal yesterday.
  5. I didn’t close the book.

Questions:

  1. Did she close the window?
  2. Did they close the shop early?
  3. Did he close the file?
  4. Did we close the deal?
  5. Did you close the book?

6.4. Examples with Time Expressions

Sentence Time Marker
She closed the window yesterday. Yesterday
They closed the shop last week. Last week
He closed the file two days ago. Two days ago
We closed the deal in 2020. In 2020
I closed my account last month. Last month
The branch closed a year ago. A year ago

6.5. Examples in Passive Voice

  1. The shop was closed at 8 PM.
  2. The window was closed by the janitor.
  3. The bank was closed due to the holiday.
  4. The file was closed yesterday.
  5. The deal was closed successfully.

6.6. Complex Sentences

  1. She closed the window because it was cold outside.
  2. After he closed the file, he submitted the report.
  3. We didn’t realize the shop had closed until we arrived.
  4. They said they closed negotiations last week.
  5. Although the concert closed late, everyone enjoyed it.

6.7. Summary Tables

Table 1: Examples by Meaning

Meaning Example
Physical Action He closed the door quietly.
Event Conclusion The festival closed with fireworks.
Business Closure The factory closed last year.
Transaction Completion They closed the deal yesterday.

Table 2: Sentence Types

Type Example
Affirmative She closed the window.
Negative She didn’t close the window.
Question Did she close the window?
Passive The window was closed.

Table 3: Tense Comparison

Tense Example Usage
Past Simple They closed the shop yesterday. Specific finished action
Present Perfect They have closed the shop. Recent or relevant past

7. Usage Rules

7.1. When to Use Past Tense of “Close”

  • To describe actions or states finished in the past.
  • To narrate sequences of events in stories or reports.
  • To indicate that an event or activity ended at a particular time.
  • To discuss transactions or negotiations completed in the past.

7.2. Time Expressions with Past Tense

Common time markers with past simple:

Expression Example
Yesterday She closed the door yesterday.
Last night/week/month/year They closed the shop last week.
… ago The factory closed two years ago.
In + past year/date We closed the deal in 2020.
Earlier today He closed the file earlier today.

7.3. Using Past Tense in Context

  • Formal writing: reports, business documents, historical accounts.
  • Informal speech: storytelling, casual conversation.
  • Spoken English: “We closed the office early yesterday.”
  • Written English: “The branch closed in 2019 due to restructuring.”

7.4. Passive Voice Guidelines

  • Use the passive when the agent is unknown, irrelevant, or to focus on the action/result.
  • The store was closed at 6 PM. (focus on the store)
  • Use active voice when the subject (agent) is important.
  • The manager closed the store at 6 PM.

7.5. Common Exceptions and Special Cases

  • Idioms: “Case closed” (issue resolved, no further discussion).
  • Figurative uses: “The matter was closed” (discussion ended).
  • Sometimes, “closed” acts as an adjective, not a verb form.

7.6. Regional Variations

  • Minimal differences between British and American English.
  • Formal closings may differ slightly (e.g., “The market closed up/down” in financial contexts).
  • Casual speech often drops explicit agents or uses contractions.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1. Incorrect Verb Form

Incorrect: She close the door yesterday.

Correct: She closed the door yesterday.

8.2. Misusing Past and Present Tense

Incorrect: She closes the door and then went home.

Correct: She closed the door and then went home.

8.3. Overusing Passive Voice

Incorrect (awkward): The window was closed by John yesterday evening by him.

Correct: John closed the window yesterday evening.

8.4. Confusing “close” (verb) with “closed” (adjective)

Verb: They closed the store at 9 PM. (action)

Adjective: The store is closed. (state)

8.5. Misplacing Time Expressions

Incorrect: She closed yesterday the store.

Correct: She closed the store yesterday.

8.6. Pronunciation Errors

Correct pronunciation: /kloʊzd/

It sounds like “klohz-d”, with a /z/ sound followed by a /d/.

9. Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. Yesterday, he ___ (close) the window.
  2. They ___ (close) the deal last week.
  3. We ___ (not close) the shop on time.
  4. ___ you ___ (close) the file?
  5. She ___ (close) the book before leaving.
  6. The store ___ (close) at 7 PM yesterday.
  7. I ___ (close) my account two months ago.
  8. He ___ (not close) the lid properly.
  9. ___ they ___ (close) the meeting on time?
  10. The factory ___ (close) in 2018.

9.2. Error Correction

  1. She close the door yesterday.
  2. They didn’t closed the shop early.
  3. Did you closed the window?
  4. We closes the deal last month.
  5. The bank was close last year.
  6. He not closed the book.
  7. They was closed the file.
  8. The meeting close at 5 PM.
  9. She didn’t close yesterday the store.
  10. Did he close the file yesterday? Yes, he dided.

9.3. Identify the Tense

State whether the past tense of “close” is used correctly:

  1. She closed the window this morning.
  2. They have close the deal.
  3. Did you close the door?
  4. He closes the shop yesterday.
  5. The bank closed in 2019.
  6. I close my account last week.
  7. The shop was closed at 6 PM.
  8. We have closed the meeting.
  9. They didn’t close the file.
  10. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

9.4. Sentence Construction

Use “closed” in the past tense with the words provided:

  1. she / window / yesterday
  2. they / deal / last week
  3. bank / last year
  4. we / shop / on time
  5. he / file / before lunch

9.5. Passive Voice Transformation

Rewrite the active sentences into passive:

  1. They closed the library.
  2. She closed the door.
  3. He closed the file.
  4. We closed the shop.
  5. The manager closed the office.

9.6. Advanced Challenge

Write a short paragraph using “closed” at least 5 times:

For example: Yesterday, the company closed three branches. After they closed the first one, they closed the second by noon. The last branch was closed just before 5 PM. Many employees were surprised when the offices were closed without notice. By the end of the day, everything was closed and locked.

9.7. Answer Key

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Answers

  1. closed
  2. closed
  3. did not (didn’t) close
  4. Did / close
  5. closed
  6. closed
  7. closed
  8. did not (didn’t) close
  9. Did / close
  10. closed

9.2. Error Correction Answers

  1. She closed the door yesterday.
  2. They didn’t close the shop early.
  3. Did you close the window?
  4. We closed the deal last month.
  5. The bank was closed last year.
  6. He didn’t close the book.
  7. The file was closed.
  8. The meeting closed at 5 PM.
  9. She closed the store yesterday.
  10. Yes, he did.

9.3. Identify the Tense Answers

  1. Correct
  2. Incorrect (should be “have closed”)
  3. Correct
  4. Incorrect (should be “closed”)
  5. Correct
  6. Incorrect (should be “closed”)
  7. Correct
  8. Correct
  9. Correct
  10. Correct

9.4. Sentence Construction Sample Answers

  1. She closed the window yesterday.
  2. They closed the deal last week.
  3. The bank closed last year.
  4. We closed the shop on time.
  5. He closed the file before lunch.

9.5. Passive Voice Transformation Answers

  1. The library was closed.
  2. The door was closed.
  3. The file was closed.
  4. The shop was closed.
  5. The office was closed by the manager.

10. Advanced Topics

10.1. Subtle Meaning Differences

Past Simple: “When we arrived, the shop closed.” (wrong)

Correct: “When we arrived, the shop had closed.” (past perfect for earlier action)

10.2. Past Perfect Usage

Use had closed to show an action completed before another past action.

Example: By the time we got there, the bank had closed.

Timeline Diagram:

  • Bank closes (earlier past action)
  • We arrive (later past action)

10.3. Passive Voice in Different Past Tenses

Tense Passive Form Example
Simple Past was/were closed The shop was closed at 7 PM.
Past Perfect had been closed The shop had been closed before we arrived.

10.4. Modal Verbs with Past Tense

Could have closed – possibility in the past

They could have closed the deal sooner.

Should have closed – regret or advice about the past

We should have closed the window before the rain.

10.5. Idiomatic and Figurative Uses

  • Case closed: The issue is resolved.
  • Closed off: Blocked or restricted.
  • Closed chapter: Finished period of life.
  • Closed-minded: Unwilling to consider new ideas (adjective use).

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the past tense of “close”?
    The past tense is closed.
  2. Is “closed” both the past tense and past participle?
    Yes, “closed” serves as both the simple past and the past participle.
  3. How do you pronounce “closed”?
    /kloʊzd/, with a /z/ sound followed by /d/.
  4. Can “close” be irregular in any case?
    No, it’s always a regular verb.
  5. When should I use “was closed” instead of “closed”?
    Use “was closed” in the passive voice when the focus is on the object affected.
  6. What are common mistakes learners make with “closed”?
    Using the wrong tense, misplacing time expressions, or confusing verb with adjective forms.
  7. How do I use “closed” in negative past tense sentences?
    Subject + did not (didn’t) + close + object. Example: She didn’t close the window.
  8. What’s the difference between “closed” and “have closed”?
    “Closed” = past simple, specific time in past. “Have closed” = present perfect, recent or relevant past without a specific time.
  9. Is “closed” an adjective or a verb in sentences like “The shop is closed”?
    Here, “closed” functions as an adjective describing the state.
  10. How do I turn “closed” sentences into passive voice?
    Use “was/were closed.” Active: They closed the library. Passive: The library was closed.
  11. Are there idioms with “close” or “closed” related to past actions?
    Yes, like case closed, meaning the issue is resolved.
  12. How many meanings of “closed” exist in the past tense?
    At least four: shutting physically, ending events, closing businesses, and completing transactions.

12. Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we explored the verb “close” and its past tense form “closed”. We discussed its meanings, regular verb formation, sentence structures, active and passive voice, different contexts, and subtle advanced uses.

Understanding how to use “closed” correctly allows you to express completed actions, narrate past events, and communicate clearly and accurately. We covered many examples, tables, and practice exercises to build your confidence.

Keep practicing to internalize these rules. Mastery of past tense forms like “closed” will help you become a more fluent English speaker or writer. For further study, explore related verb tenses such as past perfect, present perfect, or the passive voice with other verbs, including irregular verbs.

Remember, practice makes perfect — so review, repeat, and apply what you’ve learned to master the past tense of “close”!

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