did not open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a file, letter, or door, was not opened or accessed. Example: "The email I sent yesterday did not open on her device, so I will resend it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lubitz did not open.

The Guardian

But I did not open my door.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he did not open it.

The New Yorker

The mirrored glass windows did not open.

The New York Times

She did not open up.

The New York Times

The windows did not open.

The New York Times

It did not open them again.

The Guardian - Opinion

She did not open her eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

I did not open this letter.

The New York Times

But it almost did not open.

The New York Times - Arts

It did not open again until 2000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sequence of events, use "did not open" to clearly indicate a failure or lack of action in a specific instance. This is more precise than simply stating something "remained closed" if an attempt to open it was expected or implied.

Common error

Avoid using "did not open" when a more descriptive verb would add clarity. For example, instead of "The door did not open, it was jammed", try "The door remained jammed shut".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not open" primarily functions as a negative verb phrase. It indicates the absence of an action or state change, specifically the act of opening something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not open" serves as a versatile and grammatically correct negative verb phrase, indicating the absence of an opening action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki articles. While alternatives like "remained closed" or "failed to open" exist, "did not open" provides a straightforward way to express a lack of access or initiation. When writing, avoid overusing this phrase when more specific verbs could enhance clarity. The phrase's neutral register allows for flexibility in various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to open

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to open something.

was not opened

Passive voice construction emphasizing the lack of action.

remained closed

Emphasizes the state of being shut or unaccessible.

stayed shut

Focuses on the persistence of being closed.

never opened

Indicates a complete absence of opening at any time.

kept closed

Emphasizes the intentional action of keeping something shut.

did not unlock

Focuses on the failure of a locking mechanism to release.

did not commence

Replaces "open" with a synonym implying start or beginning.

was inaccessible

Indicates a lack of ability to gain entry or access.

was unavailable

Highlights the impossibility to use, access or benefit from something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "did not open" is used to indicate that something remained closed or was not initiated. For example: "The store "did not open" on time due to the storm", or "He tried the door, but it "did not open"".

What are some alternatives to "did not open"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "remained closed", "failed to open", or "stayed shut". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "did not open"?

While generally correct, using "did not open" might be less effective than a more descriptive verb in certain contexts. For instance, saying "The company "did not launch"" may be clearer than "The company "did not open"" if referring to a new business venture.

What's the difference between "did not open" and "failed to open"?

Both phrases are similar, but "failed to open" often implies an attempt was made, whereas "did not open" can simply state a lack of opening without implying an attempt. For example, "The parachute "failed to open"" suggests it was deployed but didn't work, while "The box "did not open"" could mean no one tried to open it.