Are we close / closed?

Question

Hi teachers,There are two people who don't know each other waiting at an elevator.   When the elevator opens, both step into it, someone from behind calling one of them, and the two starts talking away, leaving the other person holding the elevator.  The one who is holding the elevator keeps asking:  Are we close?I couldn't hear it right, whether it meant "closed" or "close"?  So in this situation, which one is it?Thanks

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

I don't know; neither one makes much sense.

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi canadian45,

I heard it in a TV show. Person A who is holding the elevator appears to be annoyed by the other two persons B and C who are in a conversation, where B and C are outside the elevator. Person A needs to go up to his apartment right away. So when A said "Are we close?", is it "close" or "closed"?

Thanks

Avangi · Answer

tinanam0102appears to be annoyed

My guess is, "Are we close to ending this stupid conversation and getting on with our lives?"

"We" is often used sarcastically in situations like this.

Are we almost done here?!?! (nearly done? close to finishing?)

You might hear it when someone is anxious to use a public telephone or restroom.

Will you please hurry up?

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi Avangi,

Thanks for your help.

1. Can I ask you if this "close" in the sentence an adjective or an "adverb"?

2. Can one just say "We're getting close (to the destination) in which to the destination is deleted"?

Thanks
TN

Avangi · Answer

Have you finished yet? (reply) We're getting close. This is natural.

As far as I know, "getting" is copular. "Getting" = "becoming."

You're getting fat. I read "fat" as an adjective. "Close" and "fat" are both conditions.

Avangi · Answer

If it sounds to you as if it might be "closed," then I guess that's also possible.
Automatic doors with safety features seem to have minds of their own.
It would not be unusual for a bus driver to ask, "Are we closed?"
In this case his view of the rear door may be blocked, and his question would be legitimate.

Again, "closed" would be a condition -- an adjective.
Regarding the elevator car, "closed" could be the condition of the car after the door closes (has closed).
"We are [now] closed."

The insistent question "Are we closed?" could be a psuedo-polite way of saying, "Come on! Let's go!"

"Are you done?" "Are you finished?" "Are we done?" "Are we finished?"

The "we" is a gentle reminder that all of us are indirectly "involved" in this conversation.
(Of course the questioner knows full well that we are not finished -- not closed.)

Tinanam0102 · Answer

Hi Avangi,

Thanks for giving me a detailed explanation.

Appreciate it a lot.

TN

Anonymous · Answer

Hi,, permission to post, what if I'm referring to our closeness? What is correct? Are we close? or Are We Closed?

Are we close / closed?

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