it was open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being where something was not closed or was accessible at a certain time in the past. Example: "When I arrived at the store, I was relieved to see that it was open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

— It was open.

The New Yorker

It was open and friendly.

The Guardian

It was open genocide".

The New York Times

Yes, it was open.

The Guardian

But it was open.

The Guardian

It was open, on his desk.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was open-ended.

Harvard University

Even if most of it was open-mouthed incredulousness.

The Guardian - Music

"It was opening night.

The New York Times - Sports

It was opened….

The New Yorker

It was opened by Vincent van Gogh".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the operational status of a business or service, use "it was open" to clearly communicate availability during a specific time frame.

Common error

Avoid using "it was open" when a more specific term is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "it was open" when referring to a confidential discussion, consider using "it was candid".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was open" primarily functions as a declarative statement, asserting the state of something being accessible or available at a particular time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was open" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a state of accessibility or availability in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, from news reports and academic papers to casual conversation. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. When writing, remember that specificity enhances clarity, so select related phrases like "it was accessible" or "it was available" to get a more nuanced alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was accessible

Focuses on the accessibility aspect, implying something could be accessed or used.

it was available

Emphasizes the availability of something, suggesting it was ready for use or purchase.

it was unlocked

Specifically refers to the state of being unlocked, implying physical access.

it was unsealed

Highlights the fact that something was not closed or secured, like a package.

it was unrestricted

Suggests a lack of limitations or constraints, implying freedom of access or use.

it was receptive

Indicates a willingness to accept or consider something, implying openness to new ideas or suggestions.

it was initiated

Describes the starting of a process or action, meaning a door was open to begin something.

it was began

Emphasizes that a process or event was in its initial stage, like a competition that was open to begin.

it become open

Signifies the action of something transitioning to the open state, like a market become open for trade.

it was commenced

A formal way of saying something was started, meaning the competition was open to commence.

FAQs

What does "it was open" mean?

The phrase "it was open" generally means that something was accessible, available, or not closed at a particular time in the past. The meaning will change depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "it was open"?

You can use alternatives like "it was accessible", "it was available", or "it was unlocked" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it was open"?

Yes, the phrase "it was open" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It indicates that something was not closed or was accessible at a specific time.

When is it appropriate to use "it was open"?

Use "it was open" when you want to state that a place, object, or even an idea was accessible, available, or not restricted at a certain time in the past. For example, "The store was open until 9 PM", or "The discussion was open to new ideas".