but not open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is closed or not accessible, while contrasting it with something that may be open or available. Example: "The store is open for business, but not open for returns today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Also cool, but not open source.

Cornell University

They will be open book (but not open laptop).

Stanford University

As an asylum seeker I can work – but not open a bank account I am a 25-year-old asylum seeker.

The Guardian - Money

The German company, Fraport, said it expected to appeal the ruling and would seek compensation for the terminal, which is completed but not open.

The New York Times

That structure, looking like a winged creature, has perched there since 2015, visible from the neighboring Brower Park and accessible to those attending special events — but not open to day-to-day visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

In Paris, Premier Paul Reynaud (who had replaced Daladier in March) pleaded for emergency aid from Britain and the United States; the British sent some additional air units but were unwilling to denude their island of all air defense; U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered moral encouragement but not open intervention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Mid-term exam is open-book (but not open-laptop).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The path analysis results further demonstrated that the development of reasoning ability had a significant impact on closed-ended but not open-ended creative potential.

Thinking Skills and Creativity

The cost to the government would still have been great, but not open-ended, and Ireland would now have a functioning banking system.

The New York Times

Third, Gilbert's dispatch was loyal but not open-ended: "We believe that the current management of Standard Chartered, led by Sir John Peace and Peter Sands, should be given the opportunity to address the bank's current issues and deal with them now".

The Guardian - Business

Thus, franchise units sold but not opened would not be "lost" revenues but deferred to future periods.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not open" to clearly indicate a contrast between an expected state of being open or accessible and its current closed status.

Common error

Avoid using "but not open" repeatedly in a single paragraph; vary your language to maintain reader engagement and clarity. For example, substitute with phrases like "though restricted" or "however inaccessible."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not open" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two contrasting elements within a sentence. As Ludwig AI's examples show, it often serves to qualify a previous statement, indicating a limitation or exception. This conforms with Ludwig AI's grammatical status analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not open" is a grammatically correct and functional conjunction phrase used to express contrast or qualification. While its use spans multiple contexts, it is most frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to indicate that something, despite expectations, remains restricted or inaccessible. To prevent repetitive writing, related alternatives like "though not accessible" or "however, access denied" may be used. Common errors revolve around overuse within the same text. Overall, "but not open" is a useful and readily understandable phrase for conveying limitations or exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but not accessible

Replaces "open" with "accessible" indicating that physical barriers or restrictions prevent something from being used or entered

though not accessible

Replaces "but" with "though", implying a slightly weaker contrast while retaining the meaning of non-accessibility.

yet remaining closed

Emphasizes the state of being closed as a continuing condition despite an implied expectation otherwise.

but remaining shut

Uses "shut" to describe a firmly closed state, emphasizing the lack of any opening.

although still unavailable

Replaces "not open" with "unavailable", broadening the scope to include reasons beyond just being physically unopened.

however, access denied

Replaces the phrase with a more direct and forceful expression of denial of access.

while being restricted

Focuses on the restriction aspect, suggesting an external force preventing openness.

despite not being operational

Shifts the focus to functionality, implying the subject is not functioning even if it could be.

though still not in service

Focuses on the lack of active use or operation, especially for services or facilities.

even if not officially launched

Implies a preliminary or unofficial status, suggesting a future possibility of being open.

FAQs

How can I use "but not open" in a sentence?

The phrase "but not open" is used to show a contrast. For example, "The exhibit is completed, but not open to the general public yet."

What are some alternatives to "but not open"?

Alternatives include "but closed", "but inaccessible", or "though restricted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but not open"?

Yes, "but not open" is grammatically sound. The conjunction "but" appropriately connects two contrasting ideas. The phrase is commonly used to create a contrast.

What is the difference between "but not open" and "but closed"?

"But not open" implies something isn't yet in operation or available, while "but closed" typically means something was open but has now ceased operation or access. The subtle distinction lies in the implication of a temporary vs. permanent state.