at opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time or event of something starting, such as a business or performance. Example: "At opening, the theater was filled with excited audience members eager to see the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He was very bad at opening letters.

The Guardian

I feel that I'm better at opening a door.

The New York Times

Portugal were not adept at opening up Rehhagel's team.

The Guardian - Sport

They're not good at opening up or arguing or debating.

The New York Times

Americans, she added, are better at opening up.

The New York Times

The last time Karnaugh saw Steinbrenner was at opening day at Yankee Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

You decide when the clothes arrive at Opening Ceremony early next month.

The New York Times

(I'm at opening ceremonies at Pace University all day and can't dig in until tonight myself).

The New York Times

"I was at opening night, and a lot of tickets were floating around.

The New York Times

"For the life of me, though, am still baffled by NHS tribute at opening ceremonies.

The Guardian

And South West News is looking at opening an online bureau in Second Life.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "upon commencement" or "at the inauguration" to convey a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "at opening" when a more specific term would be clearer. For example, instead of "at opening", specify "at the grand opening" or "at the season opening" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at opening" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating the time or point when something begins. It is commonly used to describe the start of events, business hours, or performances, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at opening" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that pinpoints the commencement of an event, business, or activity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and versatile across diverse contexts, including news, general writing, and scientific articles. While "at opening" is broadly applicable, opting for more specific alternatives like "at the grand opening" or "upon commencement" can sometimes enhance clarity or formality. Being mindful of these nuances will refine your writing and ensure precision in conveying temporal references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

A simpler and more direct alternative to "at opening", indicating the beginning.

in the beginning

A general phrase referring to the initial phase of an event or period.

when it began

Replaces the noun-focused phrase with a clause, shifting the emphasis to the action of beginning.

right from the start

Emphasizes immediacy from the initial moment.

upon commencement

Replaces "at opening" with a more formal tone, referring to the starting point of an event or activity.

at the inauguration

Specifically used when referring to the commencement of a formal ceremony or event.

as it launches

Emphasizes the act of launching or initiating something, suitable for products or initiatives.

at the get-go

An informal idiom that means "from the very beginning" or "right away".

on its debut

Refers to the first appearance or introduction of something to the public.

at the inception

A more formal and less common alternative, referring to the initial stage or formation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "at opening" to describe the beginning of an event, business hours, or a performance. For example, "At opening, the museum was crowded with visitors" or "The store will have a sale at opening tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "at opening"?

You can use alternatives like "at the start", "in the beginning", or "upon commencement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "at the opening" instead of "at opening"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "at opening" is generally used to refer to the time when something starts, while "at the opening" can refer to a specific event, such as a grand opening or premiere.

What's the difference between "at opening" and "during the opening"?

"At opening" refers specifically to the moment something begins, whereas "during the opening" refers to a period of time encompassing the beginning and potentially some time shortly after. Consider the difference between "at the start" and "during the start".