Word Meaning and Differences Between ‘Shut’ and ‘Close’

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It is obvious that shut and close are very similar in meaning. However, while learning English as non-native (a long time ago) the teacher underlined that the two words are not identical in meaning.

I was unable to find a "clear" explanation about this difference yet – so I am still confused.

I found:

  • the definitions of the words;
  • how the words are similar;

I did not find: how are these words different.

Edit: Based on the answers and on the comments, is it safe to assume that there is no "general" rule about when to use "shut" and "close"? And that one must learn the "correct" verb for each situation separately?

Best Answer

You can shut the window
You can close the door
You can close a highway
But you cannot shut the store

The verb close is an antonym for open. Therefore, we can say things like:

  • Why did you close (or shut) the window? Please open it again.
  • Please shut (or close) the door. Otherwise, the cat might get out.

In addition to doors, windows, briefcases, and cages, though, we can also open and close things like highways, runways, and restaurants. In this sense of the word, shut does not function like an antonym – at least, not in American English (the following examples don’t seem to hold true in British English, based on some informative comments beneath my original answer):

  • Oak Street is closed due to flooding. We will have to find another way there.
    (NOT: Oak Street is shut...)
  • The restaurant is closed. Let’s go find someplace else to eat.
    (NOT: The restaurant is shut...)

As an aside, the phrasal verb shut down can be used in a similar way as closed, but that often connotes a longer period of inaccessibility:

  • That restaurant was shut down three months ago.

Put another way, a pub may have a closing time, but it will not have a shutting time.

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