I opened with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I opened with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initial part of a conversation, presentation, or written piece where you introduce a topic or idea. Example: "In my speech, I opened with a personal story to engage the audience right from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I opened with it.

The Guardian

In 1970, I opened with another woman.

The Guardian

The question I opened with — why make Romeo a facsimile of an urban hipster?

The New York Times

It deserves its place among the movies I opened with, and at the top of Michael Bay's catalogue.

The Guardian - Film

In "Speed," I opened with the ensemble of six dancers; one can imagine the competitive nature of a track meet.

The New York Times - Arts

I found myself drafting and re-drafting the way I opened with that anecdote again and again and again, working so hard to make sure my role in that conversation was clearly understood - and therefore impossible to misunderstand - that I found myself pounding the sentences into such painfully careful neutrality that they would end up meaning almost nothing.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

So I open with the extraordinary Aphra Behn.

The Guardian - Books

Act I opens with the two in the aftermath of the prelude's ecstasy.

The New York Times - Arts

So I open with: "Do we all know why we're here?

The New York Times

In my book about Leonardo, for instance, I open with a detail of his life that should be irrecoverable – his dress sense.

The Guardian - Arts

Mel Brooks' satirical film History of the World, Part I opens with a parody of Kubrick's "Dawn of Man" sequence, narrated by Orson Welles.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I opened with" to clearly indicate the starting point of a discussion, presentation, or performance. It helps establish a timeline or sequence of events for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I opened with" excessively in formal academic papers or reports. Opt for more objective phrasing like "The study began with" or "The presentation commenced with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I opened with" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement or beginning of an action, speech, presentation, or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

12%

The New York Times

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

The Guardian

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I opened with" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action, conversation, or presentation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, predominantly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral, its suitability depends on the context's formality. For a more formal setting, consider alternatives like "I began with" or "I commenced with". It's best practice to use the phrase to clearly signal the start of a sequence of events, while avoiding overuse in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began with

Focuses on starting an action or process.

I started with

Similar to 'began with', but can imply a less formal or structured start.

My opening remark was

Highlights the initial statement made.

The opening line was

Emphasizes the first sentence or phrase used.

I led with

Suggests taking a leading role or presenting the most important aspect first.

I commenced with

A more formal synonym for 'began with'.

To start, I used

Highlights the method or tool employed to begin an action.

Initially, I presented

Focuses on presenting information at the start.

My initial approach involved

Highlights the approach or strategy used at the beginning.

I initiated with

Emphasizes a formal beginning or launch of something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I opened with"?

You can use alternatives like "I began with", "I started with", or "My opening remark was" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I opened with"?

Yes, "I opened with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the beginning of a conversation, presentation, or performance. However, consider the formality of the context.

How do I use "I opened with" in a sentence?

You can use "I opened with" to describe the initial part of something. For example, "In my presentation, I opened with a surprising statistic." or "I opened with a joke to lighten the mood".

What is the difference between "I opened with" and "I started with"?

While both phrases indicate a beginning, "I opened with" often implies a more deliberate or formal start, especially in performances or presentations. "I started with" can be used more broadly for any kind of beginning.