in open session

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in open session" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of meetings or discussions that are accessible to the public or not held in private. Example: "The board will discuss the new policy changes in open session to ensure transparency with the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Sentence is passed in open session.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Admiral Jacoby declined to discuss the matter in open session.

The New York Times

The results were read in open session after the 276 legislators present cast secret ballots.

The New York Times

The two leaders exchanged insults in open session, accusing each other of selling out to colonial powers.

The New York Times

Parliament's intelligence and security committee will next week hear evidence in open session from the heads of the UK's three intelligence services.

The Guardian

Clinton has briefed members of Congress on the Benghazi attack and inquiry behind closed doors but has not done so in open session.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

In open sessions, prosecution witnesses have testified that no actual damage occurred and no deaths resulted from Manning's leaks.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I would have great difficulty answering that in open sessions, Sir. We've done a classified report".

The New York Times

In public hearings a selected 25 cases in which particular patterns of institutional failings have been detected will be investigated in open sessions.

The Guardian

As those witnesses are seen – in open sessions, we hope – we will be commenting on the effectiveness of the questioning and the openness and honesty of the witnesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sudan behaves at the talks as a puppet of China; one of a number of countries that relieves the Chinese delegation of having to fight its battles in open sessions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "in open session" to emphasize transparency and public accessibility in official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in open session" interchangeably with "public session" without considering the nuance. "In open session" often implies a formal setting like a committee or council meeting, while "public session" is broader and can refer to any event open to the public.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in open session" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed or where a discussion takes place. It indicates that something is done publicly, allowing access and observation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in open session" is a prepositional phrase indicating that a meeting, discussion, or activity is conducted publicly, allowing for transparency and accessibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts such as government, legal proceedings, and news reporting. While alternatives like "publicly" and "on the record" exist, "in open session" specifically emphasizes the structured and official nature of the openness. It is important to differentiate its usage from the broader term "public session", and this distinction is crucial for maintaining clarity in formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

publicly

Focuses on the action being done in a way that's accessible to the general public.

in public view

Highlights that something is happening where people can observe it.

on the record

Emphasizes that the information is officially documented and not confidential.

for public consumption

Implies the information is prepared or presented specifically for the public.

in a transparent manner

Highlights the openness and clarity of the process or action.

before the public

Indicates the action or discussion happens directly in front of an audience.

in full view

Stresses the visibility and lack of concealment.

openly

Simply indicates an action is not being done secretly.

in the public domain

Emphasizes that the information is available and not protected by copyright or secrecy.

without secrecy

Focuses on the absence of secret dealings or hidden information.

FAQs

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

"In open session" is typically used to describe meetings, hearings, or discussions that are accessible to the public. For example: "The board will discuss the new policy changes in open session to ensure transparency with the community."

What's the difference between "in open session" and "in closed session"?

"In open session" refers to a meeting or discussion that is open to the public, while "in closed session" indicates that the meeting is private and not accessible to the public. The choice depends on whether the topic requires confidentiality or benefits from public input.

What can I say instead of "in open session"?

You can use alternatives like "publicly", "in public view", or "on the record" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "in open session" formal or informal language?

"In open session" is generally considered formal language, suitable for official meetings, legal proceedings, and news reports. It emphasizes the transparency and accessibility of the process.