Confusing words explained
“close” vs “clothes” — What’s the Difference?
Sound similar but 'clothes' is for wearing, 'close' means shut
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: close vs clothes
Sound similar but 'clothes' is for wearing, 'close' means shut
close vs clothes Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of close
To shut something by moving a door, window, or lid into position.
To shut or move something so it is no longer open.
Use 'close' for shutting doors, windows, or containers. 'Shut' is similar but less common.
- Please close the door when you leave.
- She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Meaning of clothes
Garments and other articles worn to cover the body
Things you wear on your body like shirts, pants, dresses, and socks.
Use clothes for all types of garments and apparel; this is always plural in form.
- I need to buy new clothes for winter.
- He sorted his clothes into clean and dirty piles.
How to Remember the Difference
Close (verb) = shut; clothes (noun) = what you wear (with TH for THings).
Common Mistakes with close and clothes
Mistake with close
Wrong: Close the door please.
Correct: Could you close the door please?
Use polite forms when making requests; direct imperatives sound harsh in formal contexts.
Mistake with close
Wrong: He close the window.
Correct: He closes the window.
Third person singular needs '-es' suffix in simple present.
Mistake with clothes
Wrong: She wears a new clothes to the party.
Correct: She wears new clothes to the party.
Clothes is plural, so use no article and plural verb agreement.
Mistake with clothes
Wrong: The clothes is wet from the rain.
Correct: The clothes are wet from the rain.
Clothes always takes plural verbs because it is a plural noun by nature.
Practice Quiz: close or clothes?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
Please _____ the door when you leave.
Question 2
I need to buy new _____ for winter.
Question 3
He sorted his _____ into clean and dirty piles.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About close vs clothes
What’s the difference between “close” and “clothes”?
Sound similar but 'clothes' is for wearing, 'close' means shut
When should I use “close”?
Use 'close' for shutting doors, windows, or containers. 'Shut' is similar but less common.
When should I use “clothes”?
Use clothes for all types of garments and apparel; this is always plural in form.
How can I remember close vs clothes?
Close (verb) = shut; clothes (noun) = what you wear (with TH for THings).
Is it “close” or “clothes” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.