in the opening

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the opening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning or start of something. For example, "In the opening of the story, the main character is introduced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She walked out in the opening scene.

The New York Times

IN the opening moments of "O.F.Y.C.

The New York Times - Arts

Nimzowitsch also played originally in the opening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Settings in the opening story include Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin.

The New York Times - Arts

It found managers in the opening round.

The New York Times - Sports

I hear that in the opening music".

The New York Times - Arts

"Argentina was bad in the opening game," Kempes said.

The New York Times

McShane, who was White, played cautiously in the opening.

The New York Times

Freddy Meyer scored in the opening period for Atlanta.

The New York Times - Sports

No top seed has ever lost in the opening round.

The New York Times

That's what we want in the opening round.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a game or event, "in the opening" is useful for setting the scene and indicating early actions or conditions. For example, "In the opening minutes, the team established a strong defense."

Common error

Avoid using "in the opening" repeatedly when describing different aspects of the same event. Vary your language with synonyms like "at the beginning", "initially", or "at the start" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the opening" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurs. It provides temporal context, indicating that the action or state being described happens at the beginning of a particular period or event. Ludwig showcases various examples to confirm that it is frequently employed to establish initial context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the opening" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to refer to the beginning of something, be it a scene, game, or discussion. Ludwig confirms its correctness and frequent use across diverse sources. While highly common in news and media, it's also suitable for wiki, scientific, and business contexts. For enhanced writing, vary your phrasing with synonyms such as "at the beginning" or "initially", and always ensure the context aligns with the register, as simplicity may be favored in informal settings. By considering these elements, writers can effectively use "in the opening" to set the scene and provide clear temporal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning

Replaces "opening" with "beginning", a more general term for the start.

at the start

Similar to "at the beginning", offering a simple alternative for indicating the commencement of something.

in the initial phase

Substitutes "opening" with "initial phase", emphasizing the earliest stage of a process.

in the introductory part

Rephrases "opening" as "introductory part", making the meaning more explicit.

in the early stages

Similar to "initial phase", but focuses on the progression from the very beginning.

during the prelude

Uses "prelude" to indicate the introductory part, often implying a lead-up to a main event.

initially

Adverbial form indicating the beginning state or action.

to begin with

Highlights the commencement of an action or discussion.

at first

A concise way to indicate what happened or was true initially.

in its infancy

Suggests something is in its earliest stages of development or existence.

FAQs

How can I use "in the opening" in a sentence?

You can use "in the opening" to describe the beginning of events, scenes, or periods. For example, "In the opening scene, the protagonist is introduced" or "In the opening minutes, the team scored two goals".

What phrases are similar to "in the opening"?

Alternatives include "at the beginning", "at the start", and "initially". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in the opening" or should I use another phrase?

Ludwig confirms that "in the opening" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "in the opening" and similar expressions.

How formal is the phrase "in the opening"?

The phrase "in the opening" is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts, such as news reports and academic papers. For more casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "at the start" might be preferred.