it was opened by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was opened by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate who performed the action of opening something, often in a passive construction. Example: "The museum was officially opened by the mayor during a special ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The first physical marketplace, the Royal Exchange, was given its regal title when it was opened by Queen Elizabeth I in 1571.

Independent

It is all a far cry from its origins 30 years ago, when it was opened by an immigrant from Lahore who missed the real taste of home.

BBC

The mail was seized last month after an anthrax-tainted letter made its way to Senator Daschle's office, where it was opened by an aide, exposing several members of the senator's staff.

The New York Times

It was opened by Vincent van Gogh".

The New Yorker

It was opened by the Queen.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was opened by 66-year-old Ian Kerr.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He knocks at the door and it is opened by the wife he believed to be dead – only she doesn't recognise him.

The Guardian - Books

But neither did it look much like what it really was: a work of public art, which will go down as one of the most provocative and unclassifiable in America when it is opened by the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit on May 11.

The New York Times - Arts

First, it is opened by temperatures of higher than 43°C, which are felt as painful heat by humans.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

This was proposed to result from a failure to reform the closed-state after it is opened by DNA replication 7, 50, 65– 65.

BioEssays

It was opened earlier this year by a much more powerful and sophisticated country when it recognized Kosovo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical events, use "it was opened by" to give credit to the person or organization responsible for initiating the event. For example, "The Panama Canal was opened by the United States in 1914, marking a major milestone in global trade."

Common error

Avoid using "it were opened by", as "it" is singular and requires the singular verb "was". The correct form is always "it was opened by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was opened by" functions as a passive construction indicating the agent that performed the action of opening. This phrasing is commonly used to emphasize the object being opened rather than the actor, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was opened by" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and suitability across various contexts. It serves to attribute the action of opening to a specific agent, often for recognition or formal purposes. Common in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When using the phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the subject is clearly identified. Remember to use "was", not "were", with singular subjects. Consider it was inaugurated by or "it was launched by" for more formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was inaugurated by

Replaces "opened" with "inaugurated", suggesting a more formal or ceremonial beginning.

it was launched by

Substitutes "opened" with "launched", often used for projects, products, or initiatives.

it was initiated by

Emphasizes the start or commencement of something, rather than a physical opening.

it was commenced by

A formal alternative to "initiated", stressing the beginning of an event or project.

it was started by

A more general and informal way of saying something was begun by someone.

it was established by

Indicates the founding or creation of something by a specific entity.

it was founded by

Similar to "established by", but often used for organizations or institutions.

it was unveiled by

Suggests a formal presentation or reveal of something new by a specific person.

the opening was performed by

Rephrases the sentence structure to emphasize the act of opening.

the doors were unlocked by

More literal, used when referring to the physical act of unlocking doors to open a place.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was opened by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it was inaugurated by", "it was unveiled by", or "it was initiated by", depending on the context.

Is "it was opened by" the same as "it was opened with"?

No, "it was opened by" indicates who or what performed the opening action, while "it was opened with" refers to the tool or method used to open something. For example, "The door was opened by the key" versus "The door was opened with the key".

What is a less formal way to say "it was opened by"?

In a less formal context, you could say "it was started by", indicating who began or initiated something.

Can I use "it was opened by" for non-physical objects?

Yes, "it was opened by" can be used metaphorically for non-physical objects like discussions or investigations. For example, "The debate was opened by the senator".