it is only open to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only open to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is restricted or available exclusively to a certain group or category of people. Example: "The scholarship is only open to students who demonstrate financial need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Now, it is only open to pedestrians.

The New York Times

However, it is only open to people with financial difficulties.

The Guardian - Money

It is only open to travellers who are approved to visit Cuba.

The Guardian

Day tickets cost £20, but they are not usually available at weekends when it is only open to members.

The Guardian - Travel

But it is only open to spectators who pay thousands of pounds for access to the Paddock Club, with its fine dining and excellent track views.

The New York Times - Sports

It is only open to those who have got money, three weeks to spare and who make work that fits neatly into a 50-minute time slot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

That indicates that people are willing to watch Stories on Facebook…there's just not as much content there since it's only open to users and public figures, and its camera is more glitchy and less familiar.

TechCrunch

But it's only open to the well-off.

The Guardian

It isn't open to vast reinterpretations, it's only open to interpretation.

Independent

However it's only open to those with a minimum of £85,000 to invest.

The Guardian - Money

The scheme's major caveat is that it's only open to those households which have already installed top-notch levels of insulation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether a more specific term might be more appropriate, such as "reserved for" or "intended for", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only open to" without specifying who or what it's open to. For example, instead of saying "the event is only open to a select few", specify "the event is only open to registered members".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only open to" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting access or availability to a specified group or condition. As shown in Ludwig's examples, this phrase narrows the scope of who or what can participate in or benefit from something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is only open to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is restricted or exclusively available to a specific group or under particular conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist to express similar meanings, "it is only open to" provides a clear and concise way to specify eligibility and set boundaries. Remember to define the criteria or group clearly when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity. Be aware of potential common errors with this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is exclusively for

Replaces "only open to" with "exclusively for", emphasizing the exclusivity aspect. The structure remains similar.

it is restricted to

Emphasizes the restriction aspect of the original phrase, indicating a limitation to specific individuals or groups.

it is limited to

Similar to "restricted to", this option also indicates a limitation, but may imply a quantitative rather than qualitative restriction.

it is accessible solely to

Highlights the unique accessibility for a specific group, maintaining a formal tone.

it is available only to

Focuses on availability but retains the exclusivity aspect, implying that only a select group can access it.

admission is limited to

Specifically refers to admission, implying that access is restricted based on certain criteria.

it caters exclusively to

This alternative conveys that the service or offering is specifically designed for a particular group.

only applies to

Indicates that something is applicable or relevant to a specific group or situation.

it is designed solely for

Highlights the intended purpose for a specific group or use.

participation is restricted to

Focuses on who can participate, emphasizing a limit on involvement.

FAQs

What does "it is only open to" mean?

The phrase "it is only open to" signifies that something is exclusively available or accessible to a specific group, category, or under particular conditions. This indicates a restriction, limiting access to those who meet the defined criteria.

Are there alternatives to "it is only open to"?

Yes, alternatives include "it is exclusively for", "it is restricted to", or "it is limited to", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

How can I use "it is only open to" in a sentence?

You can use "it is only open to" to specify who or what can access a service, event, or opportunity. For example, "The competition is only open to students currently enrolled in university programs."

Is there a difference between "it is only open to" and "it is open to"?

Yes. "It is open to" means that anyone can access something, whereas "it is only open to" indicates that access is restricted to a specific group. The addition of "only" introduces a limitation.