door

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "door" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an architectural enclosure used to close off an entrance, passageway, or compartment within a building. For example, "He opened the door to the closet and looked inside".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The door was locked.

The Economist

After Shad mentioned the words "gay" and "marriage," we heard Peter's wife hiss, "Don't talk to those people!" Peter rolled his eyes slightly, stepped out onto the porch, and shut the door behind him.

The Economist

Next door, his neighbour Sunday's shop was an equally smouldering wreck.

The Guardian

More than ever, Greece seems headed for the exit door.

The Guardian

The flight's crew included four air stewards and the captain, Patrick Sonderheimer, whose attempts to enter the cockpit by hammering on the door and appealing to Lubitz to "open the damned door" were heard on the cockpit voice recorder.

The Guardian

Unfathomable Ruination were in radio contact with organisers on the outside and, happily, the door handle eventually worked.

The Guardian - Arts

Michael McMillan said when he came to Kaarma's home on 23 April to spray for insects, an angry Kaarma came to the front door naked, pointed a shotgun at him and asked what he was doing there.

The Guardian

bit harsh on bloggers, and bit rich from the revolving door to K St We're trying not to take it personally.

The Guardian

The old collection of buildings that made up the original concentration camp was not big enough to house all those caught in mass arrests, so inmates were forced to work 12- to 15-hour days to construct a new camp next door that would become notorious as the Nazis' biggest death camp.

The Guardian

Always a crowded but friendly dive, owner Jack Prince bought the joint next door several years ago and knocked out a wall, so that now you can even sit down, enjoy the dusty PBR ads on the wall or, even better, listen to live music.

The Guardian - Travel

"Most folks don't need an $8m training facility to learn how to lock the front door," said Dan Holler, a spokesman for the conservative group Heritage Action.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing metaphorical uses of the word "door", consider the connotations of opportunity, transition, and access. For example, "opening the door to new possibilities".

Common error

Avoid misspelling "door" as "doer" (someone who performs an action) or "drawer" (a sliding compartment). Context is key, but careful proofreading prevents this common error.

Linguistic Context

The word "door" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a hinged or sliding barrier used to close an opening in a wall, vehicle, or cabinet. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts. The term allows to define a room access, a threshold or a doorway.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Travel

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "door" is a common noun with both literal and figurative applications. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle contexts. While primarily denoting a physical barrier for entry, it extends metaphorically to represent opportunities and transitions. Synonyms include "entryway", "portal", and "entrance", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "door", be mindful of potential misspellings and consider the rich metaphorical potential it offers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entrance

Similar to entryway but can also refer to the act of entering.

entryway

Focuses on the physical space of entering a building, more specific than "door".

opening

A general term for a space that allows passage, which could be a "door" or any other type of entrance.

access point

Highlights the functional aspect of gaining entry, less about the physical structure.

threshold

Emphasizes the point of transition or beginning, both literally and figuratively.

portal

Implies a grander or more significant entrance, often with a sense of transition.

way in

A more informal way to refer to an entrance or means of access.

gateway

Suggests a passage to a new place or opportunity, often metaphorical.

access

Refers to the ability or means to enter or use something, rather than the physical "door" itself.

exit

Refers to a way out, the opposite of a "door" used for entering.

FAQs

How can I use the word "door" in a sentence?

You can use "door" in a variety of contexts, such as referring to a physical entrance: "Please close the "door"", or metaphorically: "The new policy opened the "door" to innovation".

What are some synonyms for "door"?

Synonyms for "door" include "entryway", "portal", "entrance", and "gateway". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever correct to use "door" metaphorically?

Yes, "door" is often used metaphorically to represent opportunities, access, or transitions. For instance, "Education is the "door" to a better future".

What is the difference between "door" and "doorway"?

"Door" refers to the movable barrier that closes an entrance, while "doorway" refers to the opening in the wall where the "door" is located.