a powerful opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an impactful or compelling beginning of a piece of writing, such as an essay, speech, or story. Example: "The author captivates the audience with a powerful opening that sets the tone for the entire novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Last year's 4 Degrees was a powerful opening gambit.

The Guardian - Music

David Cronenberg This drama about Russian mafia violence in London provides the festival with a powerful opening.

The Guardian - Film

Pasek & Paul have also learned how a powerful opening vamp, à la John Kander, can make the upcoming song irrepressible.

Huffington Post

Such a powerful opening is welcomed news for cinemas suffering from a lackluster summer so far, with movies such as Universal's "Warcraft" and "Neighbors 2" faltering domestically.

Los Angeles Times

Such a powerful opening would be welcome news for cinemas suffering from a lackluster summer so far, with movies like "Warcraft" and "Neighbors 2" faltering domestically.

Los Angeles Times

You need to decide on your central message, 3 key points that support your message and a powerful opening and close.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The moment that will most likely endure from the year-ending episode of "Saturday Night Live" is the quietly powerful opening of a children's chorus singing "Silent Night," which began a holiday-theme broadcast hosted by Martin Short and featuring music from Paul McCartney.

The New York Times

That powerful opening line establishes an ominous beat, like two sets of three taps on the funeral drum.

The Guardian - Books

The three songs that follow are perhaps the most powerful opening salvo in music, a roaring cascade of youthful rage, all spat out in a black, urban slang previously hidden from most of the world.

The Guardian - Film

After his powerful opening strike, Long almost quickly added a second, with only a point-blank stop from Smithies denying the defender after he had raced on to Toumani Diagouraga's through-ball.

BBC

It is fitting, then, that as the world prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-day landings and 100 years since the start of the 1914-18 war, 15 of these Goya prints will form the centrepiece of a powerful exhibition opening on Wednesday at the Louvre's outpost in Lens, a depressed former mining town flattened in the bombings of the first world war.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting an essay or speech, aim for "a powerful opening" that immediately grabs the reader's or listener's attention. Start with a bold statement, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling anecdote.

Common error

Don't start with a predictable or clichéd sentence. Ensure your opening is specific, relevant, and engaging, setting the stage for the rest of your content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful opening" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun (e.g., scene, statement, speech) to indicate the commencement has significant impact or force. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a powerful opening" is a correct and commonly used expression to describe an impactful beginning, particularly in written and spoken communication. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources and serves to emphasize the effectiveness of a start. To create "a powerful opening", consider using a bold statement, a relevant anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. Avoid generic or clichéd beginnings to maximize impact. Alternatives such as "an impactful beginning" or "a striking start" can offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impactful beginning

Focuses on the impact rather than the power of the opening.

a striking start

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and visual appeal of the commencement.

a commanding introduction

Suggests authority and control from the very start.

an impressive launch

Highlights the favorable and admirable qualities of the initiation.

a forceful kickoff

Implies energy and vigor in the initial stage.

a memorable prologue

Focuses on making a lasting impression from the beginning.

a dynamic onset

Highlights the active and energetic qualities of the opening.

an energetic commencement

Emphasizes the vigor and enthusiasm of the start.

a galvanizing initiation

Stresses the stirring and motivating effect of the beginning.

a robust start

Highlights the strength and healthiness of the beginning.

FAQs

How can I create "a powerful opening" in a speech?

Start with a captivating hook such as a surprising statistic, a relevant story, or a thought-provoking question. Establish the importance of your topic and connect with your audience immediately.

What are some alternatives to "a powerful opening"?

Consider using phrases like "an impactful beginning", "a striking start", or "a commanding introduction" to convey a similar meaning with different emphasis.

What makes an opening "powerful"?

A "powerful opening" is characterized by its ability to immediately capture attention, set the tone, and establish the significance of the topic. It is often concise, impactful, and leaves a lasting impression.

Is it always necessary to have "a powerful opening"?

While not always strictly necessary, a strong opening can significantly enhance the impact and effectiveness of your writing or speech. However, the need for a "powerful opening" depends on the context, audience, and purpose of the communication.