Close vs. Clothes: What's the Difference?
While they may sound similar, close and clothes have distinct meanings and uses. Close functions primarily as a verb meaning to seal or shut an opening, or as an adjective to describe proximity. Conversely, clothes refers to items worn on the body, such as shirts, pants, and dresses, and operates strictly as a noun.
How do you use the word close in a sentence?
The word close can indicate the action of making something not open, such as a door, or reducing distance between objects or people. As an adjective, it's used to express the small distance separating two entities or a tight bond in relationships. The context clearly dictates its meaning.
Examples of close in a sentence
- Please close the window before you leave.
- The two friends were so close they could finish each other's sentences.
- Our vacation spot is close to the beach, just a five-minute walk away.
How do you use the word clothes in a sentence?
Clothes describes any garment that can be worn, ranging from daily outfits to special attire. It is always used as a noun, often in discussions about fashion, personal style, or the act of dressing. The word emphasizes the physical items themselves rather than the action of wearing them.
Examples of clothes in a sentence
- She bought new clothes for her job interview to make a good impression.
- His clothes were drenched after getting caught in the rain without an umbrella.
- The charity event encouraged attendees to donate their gently used clothes to those in need.
Close and clothes definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation
Close definition:
As a verb, close means to bring together the parts of something to obstruct an entrance or container, or to finalize an activity. As an adjective, it means a short distance away or intimately familiar.
Close parts of speech:
Close pronunciation:
Close is pronounced as /kloʊz/ when used as a verb, and /kloʊs/ when used as an adjective.
Clothes definition:
Clothes are items worn on the body, typically made of fabric, and include pieces like shirts, pants, and dresses.
Clothes parts of speech:
Clothes pronunciation:
Clothes is pronounced as /kloʊðz/.
As a verb, close means to bring together the parts of something to obstruct an entrance or container, or to finalize an activity. As an adjective, it means a short distance away or intimately familiar.
Close parts of speech:
- As a verb: Make sure you close your accounts properly before switching banks.
- As an adjective: They lived in a close community where everyone knew each other.
Close pronunciation:
Close is pronounced as /kloʊz/ when used as a verb, and /kloʊs/ when used as an adjective.
Clothes definition:
Clothes are items worn on the body, typically made of fabric, and include pieces like shirts, pants, and dresses.
Clothes parts of speech:
- As a noun: Marie spends too much money on designer clothes.
- As a collective noun: She put away the freshly laundered clothes.
Clothes pronunciation:
Clothes is pronounced as /kloʊðz/.
Close vs. Clothes in a nutshell
Despite their phonetic similarities, close and clothes serve very distinct functions in the English language. Close can act as both a verb and an adjective to refer to shutting something or a nearness in space or relationship. 'Clothes,' on the other hand, is a noun that refers to wearable garments. Remembering these differences is essential for clear and accurate communication.
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