a great opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impressive or effective beginning, often in the context of a speech, presentation, or written work. Example: "The author crafted a great opening that immediately captured the reader's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not a great opening.

The New York Times - Travel

They have a great opening here.

The New Yorker

It's not a great opening over.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's a great opening," Dyche said then.

The Guardian - Sport

Tim Parks's new novel, his 10th, has a great opening.

The New York Times - Books

"But that's such a great opening," she replied.

The New Yorker

"Fassbender in a pirate hat" would make a great opening number.

The New York Times

However, Demuy (West) found a great opening lead: the diamond four.

The New York Times

All happy families are alike, but a great opening is great after its own fashion.

The New York Times - Tech

In the other room Garner found a great opening lead: the heart queen.

The New York Times

Had the episode started with the monologue, it would have been a great opening.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great opening" to set a positive tone at the beginning of a presentation, article, or event. For example, "The conference had a great opening, with engaging speakers and interactive sessions."

Common error

Avoid using "a great opening" when a more specific and descriptive phrase would be more impactful. Instead of saying "The book had a great opening", consider specifying what made it great, such as "The book had an intriguing opening chapter that immediately hooked the reader."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great opening" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the initial part or beginning of something, emphasizing its quality and impact. As Ludwig AI shows, it's versatile, appearing in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great opening" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a positive and promising beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, most notably in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for formal or informal situations with appropriate alternatives. As Ludwig examples suggest, while "a great opening" serves a good purpose, one should avoid overusing it, aiming instead for more specific descriptions to enhance impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent start

Focuses on the quality of the beginning being superior.

a fantastic beginning

Emphasizes the exceptionally positive quality of the start.

a promising start

Emphasizes the potential for future success from the beginning.

an ideal launch

Implies the start is perfectly suited and timed for success.

a favorable opportunity

Highlights the advantageous nature of the initial situation.

a positive initiation

Focuses on the good and encouraging aspects of the start.

an auspicious beginning

Implies a fortunate and successful start.

a remarkable commencement

Highlights the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the start.

a strong kick-off

Suggests an energetic and impactful start.

a golden opportunity

Suggests a valuable and rare chance at the start.

FAQs

How can I use "a great opening" in a sentence?

You can use "a great opening" to describe a promising start to something, such as "The film had "a great opening" scene that captivated the audience" or "The business venture experienced "a great opening" quarter, exceeding all expectations".

What are some alternatives to "a great opening"?

Some alternatives to "a great opening" include "an excellent start", "a promising start", or "a favorable opportunity" depending on the context.

Is "a great opening" formal or informal?

"A great opening" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation might warrant a more formal or informal alternative.

What makes "a great opening" effective?

An effective "great opening" is often characterized by its ability to immediately capture attention, set a positive tone, and create a sense of anticipation for what follows. It often provides a strong foundation for future success.