it was only opened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was only opened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was opened for a limited time or under specific circumstances. Example: "The museum was closed for renovations, but it was only opened for a special event last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In fact, it was only opened two months ago.

The Guardian - Film

A former home to military research facilities, it was only opened to foreigners in 1990.

The Guardian - Travel

Widely considered one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, it was only opened to women in 1977.

Independent

It was only opened once or twice in that time, during the 1940s, for cleaning and decontamination.

The Guardian

It was only opened to researchers in 2007 after criticism that it was being too protective of its material.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was only opening day, but for the Mets, a new spirit seemed to accompany the new season.

The New York Times - Sports

So far, outside of America, it's only opened a waitlist in Australia and China.

TechCrunch

With the first election of President Obama, the wall had become a door, but it was only open a crack.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was one catch, though: it was only open to advertisers and verified users.

TechCrunch

With the announcement that the beta was now public, a number of folks around the globe were disappointed to realize that it was only open to US residents.

TechCrunch

This time it was only open to teams under two years old.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was only opened", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. For clarity, specify the subject immediately before or after the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it was only opened" when you mean it is still currently open. This phrase implies that the opening was either recent or temporary, not an ongoing state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was only opened" primarily functions as a descriptor, indicating the recent or limited accessibility of something. The verb 'to open' is in the passive voice and past tense, modified by the adverb 'only'. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was only opened" correctly indicates that something has been accessible or operational for a limited time or very recently. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. While commonly found in news and general information contexts, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and avoiding its use when implying an ongoing state. Alternatives such as "it had just opened" or "it was newly opened" can provide nuanced meaning. Remember that the word 'only' in this context restricts the scope of the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had just opened

Focuses on the recentness of the opening.

it was newly opened

Emphasizes the newness of the opening.

it only recently opened

Highlights the short duration since the opening.

it was opened just now

Stresses the immediate timeframe of the opening.

it was exclusively opened

Implies that the opening was unique or special.

it was just unveiled

Suggests a formal or ceremonial opening.

it has just been inaugurated

Suggests a formal start or beginning.

it was merely launched

Emphasizes a simple beginning.

it was unveiled not long ago

Highlights the short timeframe since the opening or revealing.

it was initiated recently

Highlights the beginning of an event, project, or activity.

FAQs

What does "it was only opened" mean?

The phrase "it was only opened" indicates that something was recently or temporarily opened, suggesting a limited period of accessibility or operation.

How can I use "it was only opened" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a location, feature, or system that has become available recently. For example: "The new exhibit "it was only opened" last week."

What can I say instead of "it was only opened"?

Alternatives include "it had just opened", "it was newly opened", or "it only recently opened" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it was only opened for a short time"?

Yes, "it was only opened for a short time" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the limited duration of something being open.