as an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning or initial part of something, such as a speech, presentation, or written work. Example: "As an opening, I would like to share a personal story that relates to our topic today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

View all that as an opening gambit.

The New York Times

He used, as an opening, the plight of Syrian refugees.

The New Yorker

They saw their way to success as an "opening act".

The New York Times - Books

As an opening number, it bowled this audience over.

Independent

It may give up too much as an opening position.

The New York Times

But, as an opening gambit in a negotiation, it's terrible.

The Guardian - Business

As an opening statement it was certainly powerful.

The Times

"The spine will remain as an opening," he said.

The New York Times

"The spine will remain as an opening," Mr. Ward said.

The New York Times

"I asked if she needed help, as an opening".

The New York Times - Style

So I used it as an opening song.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an opening" to clearly signal the start of a discussion, presentation, or performance. It prepares the audience for what's to come.

Common error

While "as an opening" is useful, avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with it. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an opening" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the commencement or initiation of an action or event. Ludwig examples show its usage to introduce statements, performances, and strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an opening" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase, primarily used to signal the start or commencement of an event, statement, or action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While authoritative sources frequently employ it, remember to avoid overusing the phrase to maintain engaging and diverse writing. Alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" can add variety. This phrase is deemed suitable for neutral registers. The examples available from Ludwig underscore its effectiveness in setting the stage and providing context. Overall, it's a valuable tool for writers and speakers looking to clearly mark the beginning of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an introduction

Highlights the function of setting the stage.

to begin with

Highlights the action of commencing something.

in the beginning

Stresses the fundamental start of something.

firstly

Presents a structured sequence of beginnings.

at the start

Focuses on the temporal aspect of beginning.

to commence with

Suggests a more formal beginning.

initially

Emphasizes the first stage of a process.

at the inception

Highlights the very first moment or idea.

as a kick-off

Implies a more informal start or launch.

as a preliminary

Implies something done in preparation for a main event.

FAQs

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

You can use "as an opening" to introduce a statement, performance, or discussion. For example: "As an opening, I'd like to thank everyone for coming."

What are some alternatives to "as an opening"?

Consider using alternatives like "to begin with", "initially", or "as an introduction" to diversify your writing.

Is it correct to use "as an opening gambit"?

Yes, "as an opening gambit" is correct and refers to an initial move in a strategy or negotiation, as demonstrated in several examples.

What's the difference between "as an opening" and "in the opening"?

"As an opening" introduces something, while "in the opening" refers to a specific part or section at the beginning of something.