an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a gap, opportunity, or initial part of something, such as a conversation, event, or document. Example: "The presentation began with an opening that captured the audience's attention immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an opening.

The New Yorker

They'll see an opening.

The New York Times

Obama saw an opening.

The New Yorker

It will be an opening".

The New York Times

His ambiguity left an opening.

The Economist

But there is an opening.

The New York Times

But it has an opening.

Independent

Sensing an opening, Democrats pounced.

The New York Times

"This is an opening shot.

The New York Times - Science

Cisneros's implosion left an opening.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Trump senses an opening.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an opening", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. For instance, in a business context, it might refer to a job vacancy, while in a strategic context, it might refer to an opportunity to gain an advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "an opening" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "There's an opening in the market," consider specifying what type of opening it is: "There's a niche in the market" or "There's an unmet demand in the market."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an opening" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage to denote opportunities, gaps, or the initial part of something. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an opening" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that indicates a gap, opportunity, or commencement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile, appearing commonly in news and media, as well as in wikis and other general contexts. When using "an opening", consider the specific meaning you wish to convey and choose the most precise alternative if needed, such as "an opportunity" or "a gap". Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its varied usage across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an opportunity

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of a favorable circumstance or chance.

a chance

This indicates a possibility of something desirable happening.

a commencement

This focuses on the beginning or start of something.

a possibility

This suggests a potential for something to happen or exist.

a gap

This highlights a space or interval, often in a metaphorical sense.

an initiation

Similar to "commencement," this emphasizes the start or introduction.

a window

Suggests a limited time or opportunity.

a doorway

This suggests access or a means of entry, either literally or figuratively.

a debut

This implies a first public appearance or presentation.

a breach

This highlights a gap or violation of something.

FAQs

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

"An opening" can refer to a literal space, like "There's "an opening in the wall"", or a figurative opportunity, like "The crisis created "an opening for innovation"".

What are some alternatives to "an opening"?

Depending on the context, you could use "an opportunity", "a chance", "a gap", or "a commencement" as alternatives to "an opening".

Is it correct to say "an opening" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "an opening" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its suitability depends on the specific context and intended meaning, but it is a standard and valid expression.

What is the difference between "an opening" and "an opportunity"?

While both terms suggest a favorable situation, "an opening" often implies a space or gap that can be exploited, whereas "an opportunity" generally refers to a favorable set of circumstances. For example, "an opening in the market" suggests a gap to be filled, while "an opportunity for growth" indicates favorable conditions for expansion.