got open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got open" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect.
It could be used informally in spoken language to indicate that something has been opened, but it is not recommended for formal writing. Example: "The door got open when the wind blew."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I've got open space".

The New York Times

They've got open slots on all 50 state ballots.

The New York Times

With a move around a cornerback, he got open deep.

The New York Times

Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said: "He got open and caught some balls.

The New York Times - Sports

"Saad, two guys went on him and I got open," Handzus said.

The Guardian - Sport

Manga got open just beyond the 3-point line and missed an uncontested jumper.

The New York Times - Sports

On one play, Giants receiver Ike Hilliard got open running an out pattern.

The New York Times - Magazine

With one last chance, Miami inbounded the ball to Hardaway and this time, he got open.

The New York Times - Sports

He just got open over the top, and when he did, he hit big 3's".

The New York Times - Sports

"It took us awhile to adjust, but once we did, we got open shots".

The New York Times - Sports

"So you've got open sewers, and shared toilets out in the open.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports writing, use "got open" to convey a player's ability to create space quickly and effectively. However, consider more formal alternatives like "became free" or "created separation" for broader appeal or when writing for a non-sports audience.

Common error

Avoid using "got open" in formal writing or professional settings. While common in sports narratives, it lacks the precision and formality required for academic or business communication.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "got open" functions as a verb phrase, primarily used in sports contexts. It describes the action of a player successfully creating space to become available for a pass or shot. This idiom is commonly found in informal speech but less appropriate for formal writing as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got open" is a common idiom, particularly in sports, describing a player's successful effort to create space. While widely used in news and media, its informality makes it less suitable for academic or business writing. As Ludwig AI points out, while not strictly incorrect, alternative phrases like "became free" or "created separation" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Be mindful of your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "got open" and its more formal counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became unmarked

Highlights the state of being without a defender, commonly used in sports.

lost their marker

Focuses on the defensive player losing track of their assigned player.

became free

Replaces "got open" with a more formal and general phrase indicating availability or lack of obstruction.

shook off the defender

Specifically refers to eluding or evading a defensive player.

created separation

Focuses on the action of making space between oneself and another object or person.

found space

Emphasizes the act of locating or identifying an available area.

made oneself available

Emphasizes the act of becoming accessible or ready to receive a pass or opportunity.

maneuvered into the clear

Describes a deliberate action to move into an unobstructed position.

achieved an open position

Highlights the attainment of an unobstructed and advantageous stance.

gained an advantage

Focuses on acquiring a beneficial position relative to opponents.

FAQs

How can I use "got open" in a sentence?

The phrase "got open" is often used in sports contexts to describe a player who successfully created space to receive a pass or shot. Example: "The receiver "got open" deep downfield and made a spectacular catch."

What can I say instead of "got open"?

Alternatives include "became free", "created separation", or "found space", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "got open" grammatically correct?

While widely used, "got open" may be considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and grammatically standard alternatives such as "became open" or "was able to get open".

What's the difference between "got open" and "became open"?

"Got open" is more colloquial and action-oriented, implying an active effort to create space. "Became open" is more formal and passive, simply stating a change in state. Use "became open" in formal contexts and "got open" in more casual settings.