Please close the door behind you.

Meaning: This is a polite way to ask someone to make sure the door is shut after they have entered or left a room.

Choice of Words: The verb close means to shut or cover something. Door is the movable part of a doorway that can be opened or closed. Behind means at or to the back of something. So, Please close the door behind you means to shut the door after you have gone through it.

Alternative Expressions

Can you shut the door after you?

Meaning: This is a polite way to ask someone to shut the door after they have used it.

Choice of Words: Can is a modal verb that shows ability or permission. Shut means to close something firmly. After means following something in time or order. You refers to the person being spoken to. So, Can you shut the door after you? is a polite way to ask someone if they can close the door after they have gone through it.

Would you mind closing the door when you leave?

Meaning: This is the most polite way to ask someone to shut the door after they have used it.

Choice of Words: Would is a modal verb that shows a polite request. Mind means to be bothered or concerned about something. Closing is the present participle of the verb close, which means to move something to cover an opening. When means at the time that something happens. You refers to the person being spoken to. Leave means to go away from a place. So, Would you mind closing the door when you leave? is a very polite way to ask someone to close the door after they have gone through it.

Related Expressions