at its opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial moment or event of something, such as a performance, exhibition, or business launch. Example: "The gallery was filled with excitement at its opening, as art enthusiasts gathered to admire the new collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At its opening, it became the city's largest employer, and nearly doubled its city sales tax revenues.

Wikipedia

Conventional movie-business wisdom says that if a film fails to catch fire at its opening theater, it will not move much farther.

The New York Times

This, moreover, is Bruckner's greatest music, with breathtaking wide-open spaces at its opening and a rumbling yet deeply touching slow movement.

The New York Times - Arts

It nearly doubled at its opening to $32 a share.

The New York Times

It was the world's tallest hotel at its opening in 1924, serving as a host for auto industry executives made wealthy by the city's surging manufacturing sector.

The New York Times

It is ironic that the opera "La Boheme" was panned by the critics at its opening in 1896, but the audience loved it.

The New York Times - Arts

The dorsal urethra was cauterized at its opening into the ventral urethra using a Bugbee electrode and open diverticulectomy of the ventral urethral diverticulum was performed.

F1000Research

The Avengers made $207.4m £133.3mm) at its opening weekend in the US and Canada when it was released in May 2012.

Independent

"The idea was fabulous; it still sounds good," said Ayo Harrington, who backed Ross Global at its opening and sent her granddaughter there for three years.

The New York Times

At its opening in 1910, "The Theatre for the People," as it was known, was among the major venues for black artists.

Huffington Post

At its opening, the queue stretched across the park.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its opening", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being opened or launched. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the sentence's meaning is immediately clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at its opening" when referring to events that don't have a formal opening or launch. For example, it is less appropriate for gradual processes or abstract concepts. Instead, use alternatives like "initially" or "in the early stages".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its opening" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time or circumstances surrounding the initial presentation or launch of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its opening" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify the time or circumstances surrounding the initial presentation or launch of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. It's commonly found in news and media, Wiki, and arts-related contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context clearly indicates what is being opened to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider semantically related alternatives like "upon its debut" or "at its launch" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its launch

Similar to "at its opening", but often used for products or initiatives.

upon its debut

Focuses on the initial presentation or launch of something.

when it premiered

Specifically used for events like movies, shows, or performances.

in its initial phase

Highlights the beginning stages of a project or process.

at the commencement

More formal alternative, suitable for official events or documents.

on its inauguration

Often used for the start of a formal position or institution.

in its early days

Refers to the initial period of existence, not just the opening event.

at the beginning

A more general phrase referring to the start of something.

initially

A shorter, adverbial alternative indicating something happened at the start.

from the outset

Emphasizes the situation or condition right from the very start.

FAQs

How can I use "at its opening" in a sentence?

The phrase "at its opening" is used to describe something that happened when something was first presented or launched. For example, "The museum was celebrated "at its opening" as a new direction for architecture".

What are some alternatives to "at its opening"?

You can use alternatives like "upon its debut", "at its launch", or "when it premiered" depending on the specific context.

Is "at its opening" formal or informal?

"At its opening" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally considered neutral. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the text.

What is the difference between "at its opening" and "in its early days"?

"At its opening" refers specifically to the moment of launch or initial presentation, while "in its early days" refers to the period shortly after the opening. The phrase "in its early days" implies a span of time, not just a single event.