a firm opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or confident beginning, often in the context of speeches, presentations, or written works. Example: "The speaker captivated the audience with a firm opening that set the tone for the entire presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But Requa said it was never a firm opening date.

The Washington Post

They are unlikely to set a firm opening date for the line, which will run as an extension of the Q train, before the tests are completed.

The New York Times

Construction has been under way for a month, and Ms. Calzolari has been promised a firm opening date: Jan . 6 , 2001

The New York Times

Helped by a firm opening on Wall Street and a strong rebound in other European markets, Swiss share prices closed sharply higher in what dealers termed fairly active trading, led by blue chips.

The New York Times

At the Globex trading system, S&P futures for December delivery are up 4.30 to 1163.00, indicating a firm opening when trading comes underway at 9 30AM EST.

Forbes

At the Globex trading system, S&P futures are slightly higher, indicating a firm opening when trading gets under way around 9 30 AM EST.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If a country like China wanted to join, it would have to scrap all discriminatory practices against foreign firms – so discrimination against a foreign firm opening a hospital in China would be banned, for example.

Independent

The Milan market closed lower after a firm open ing.

The New York Times

Initial public offerings promote innovation, by providing an exit route for entrepreneurs; being listed makes a firm open to scrutiny; and ordinary people have a chance to invest in capitalism's wealth-creating machines.But the past 15 years have cast a shadow over the public company.

The Economist

Open image in new window Fig. 1 Cloud-mobile computing services via WiFi/3G or Ethernet Open image in new window Fig. 2 Cloud-based proxmox virtual environment Open image in new window Fig. 3 OpenERP deployment (http://v6.openerp.com/node/910) Open image in new window Fig. 4 Access control in a firm Open image in new window Fig. 5 Access control authentication in cloud.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Glen Tullman, managing partner of 7wire Ventures, a VC firm, opened a donor-advised fund at Fidelity Charitable in 2009 with stock in Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, which he took public in 1999 and where he served as CEO through 2012.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm opening", ensure the subsequent content maintains the same level of strength and clarity to avoid anticlimactic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm opening" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "a good start" or "a strong beginning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm opening" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase describes the beginning of an event or activity, such as a market or a speech.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm opening" is a phrase used to describe a strong and confident beginning, suitable for various contexts including news reporting, business communication, and other formal scenarios. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys stability and assurance. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a solid start" or "a strong commencement". When using this phrase, ensure the following content aligns with the tone set by the opening.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid start

Replaces "firm" with "solid", emphasizing strength and reliability in the beginning.

a strong commencement

Substitutes "opening" with "commencement", providing a more formal tone.

an assertive introduction

Emphasizes confidence and decisiveness in the beginning.

a resolute launch

Replaces "opening" with "launch", suggesting a determined start.

a decisive inception

Offers a more formal and impactful synonym for "beginning".

a vigorous initiation

Highlights the energy and enthusiasm in the start.

a robust debut

Uses "debut" to refer to an initial presentation or appearance with strength.

a steadfast beginning

Focuses on the unwavering and reliable nature of the start.

a well-founded kick-off

Highlights the well-prepared and organized nature of the start.

a commanding start

Emphasizes the authoritative and influential nature of the beginning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a firm opening" in a presentation?

Begin with a clear statement of your main point, supported by compelling data or a captivating anecdote to immediately grab the audience's attention and establish your credibility.

What are some synonyms for "a firm opening" that I can use in business writing?

Consider using alternatives like "a solid start", "a strong commencement", or "an assertive introduction depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "a firm opening" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "a firm opening" is suitable for academic writing when introducing a topic or argument with clarity and confidence. Ensure the rest of your writing maintains the same level of rigor and precision.

How does "a firm opening" differ from "a good start"?

"A firm opening" implies more decisiveness and strength than "a good start", suggesting a confident and well-established beginning rather than simply an adequate one.