bold opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bold opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an introduction or beginning that is striking, confident, or attention-grabbing, often in the context of writing, speeches, or performances. Example: "The author's bold opening immediately captured the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of the novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Any Hardy reader will find himself tipped off balance by the challenge in Winterbottom's bold opening.

The Guardian - Film

Skirts were slit up the back, not just to give a little room for movement, but with a bold opening scissored from calf to high thigh.

The New York Times

At the start of the movie, the sun, the moon, and Earth align as the bold opening sequence of Richard Strauss's "Also Sprach Zarathustra" plays.

The New Yorker

Among Hollywood's more titles-friendly directors is Mr. Reitman, who has used a bold opening sequence, each time set to song, not only in "Up in the Air" but also in "Juno" and "Thank You for Smoking".

The New York Times

The other nine Warwickshire batsmen dismissed accumulated two fewer between them than his 122, with 56 of the other 120 coming from Will Porterfield in a bold opening gambit that grew in stature throughout the day.

The Guardian - Sport

One way Mr. Obama could throw Republicans off stride would be to make a bold opening offer to embrace one of their health care priorities, like limiting medical malpractice lawsuits — an idea one Democrat close to the White House said had been under consideration.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Another thing: given the importance of the Games to China, it needed to be the biggest and boldest opening ceremony, or any ceremony, in history.

Huffington Post

President Bush said he still wouldn't negotiate with North Korea, but suggested, for the first time, that if the nation gave up its nuclear weapons program he would consider offering a "bold initiative" of aid, trade openings and security guarantees.

The New York Times

A work for strings alone, the Academy glided crisply through its musically diverse movements, from the bold pizzicato opening of the Adagio to a moving Funeral March.

The Guardian

Making an oft-told tale seem newly minted is a rare and wondrous gift, and McCann locks the reader into "TransAtlantic" with this bold and bravura opening.

The New York Times - Books

From the bold unison string opening, it held the attention effortlessly, with the disposition of two trios of horns as well as two sets of timpani creating a drama that implied both internal and external conflict.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a story, consider using a "bold opening" to establish the tone and introduce the main conflict or theme right away. This can hook the reader and make them eager to continue reading.

Common error

Avoid using "bold opening" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "striking start" or "attention-grabbing beginning" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bold opening" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "bold" modifies the noun "opening". It describes the qualitative nature of something's commencement, indicating it's striking and confident, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Film

15%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bold opening" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a striking or confident beginning. As Ludwig AI states, it's typically used in news and media, film, and sport contexts. While it's suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternatives like "striking initiation" or "dramatic commencement" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Its primary function is to emphasize the impact and attention-grabbing quality of a start, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to make a strong first impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impactful beginning

Focuses on the significant effect or impression made right from the start.

dramatic commencement

Emphasizes the theatrical or impactful nature of the beginning.

striking initiation

Highlights the visual or impressive aspect of the start.

audacious launch

Focuses on the risk-taking and daring nature of the start.

courageous start

Highlights the bravery or confidence involved in the initial action.

assertive start

Highlights the confident and self-assured nature of the beginning.

innovative kick-off

Suggests a fresh and original approach to beginning something.

forceful introduction

Highlights the power and intensity of the beginning.

vigorous inception

Suggests a lively and energetic beginning.

spirited commencement

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and liveliness of the beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "bold opening" to describe the beginning of a film, a speech, a book, or any event that starts in a striking or confident manner. For example: "The movie is known for its "bold opening" scene."

What are some alternatives to "bold opening"?

Some alternatives include "striking initiation", "dramatic commencement", or "audacious launch", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "bold opening" and "strong opening"?

"Bold opening" suggests a confident and perhaps risky start, while "strong opening" /s/strong+opening simply implies an impactful and effective beginning. A "bold opening" is a subset of a strong one, it always gets noticed.

Is "bold opening" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "bold opening" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing artistic works, strategic initiatives, or impactful events. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.