keep the door open

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep the door open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of keeping something, such as a door, accessible to others or in its present state. For example, you could say, "Please keep the door open so that we can get some fresh air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Hopefully, we'll keep the door open".

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to keep the door open for private school.

The New York Times

"I'd love to keep the door open," he said.

The New York Times

Keep the door open for future associations with the firm.

Cornell University

But keep the door open the other way.

The New York Times

This will keep the door open for the future.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

'We'll keep the door open to engagement,' he [Burns] stressed".

The Guardian

"We'll keep the door open to engagement," he stressed.

The Guardian

"Whatever happens, he has got to keep the door open," Gevisser said in an interview.

The Washington Post

Some big collecting museums still keep the door open to acquiring pillaged goods.

The Washington Post

This helps keep the door open for future communication.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep the door open" in professional communication, ensure that your intent is clear and that you specify what 'door' you're referring to. This avoids ambiguity and sets clear expectations.

Common error

Don't use "keep the door open" without specifying the context or what the 'door' represents. Vague usage can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Always clarify what you're keeping open and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the door open" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression, used to advise or suggest maintaining possibilities or opportunities for future interaction, collaboration, or reconsideration. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the door open" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression that encourages maintaining opportunities for future engagement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably within various registers, from news articles and academic discussions to more casual, informal conversations. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Academic contexts, and some of its alternatives include "remain open to" or "preserve the option". When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; specifying what 'door' you're keeping open will prevent confusion and ensure your message is effectively communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain open to

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "remain" to emphasize a continued state of openness.

allow for future engagement

Directly addresses the concept of enabling future interaction or participation.

not close any doors

Expresses the idea of avoiding actions that would eliminate future opportunities.

preserve the option

Highlights retaining a specific choice or alternative for later use.

provide ongoing access

Highlights the continuous nature of the accessibility being maintained.

maintain accessibility

Emphasizes the aspect of ensuring something remains accessible or available.

hold opportunities available

Stresses the proactive maintenance of available opportunities.

leave room for

Focuses on creating space or possibility for future developments or considerations.

keep possibilities alive

Focuses on sustaining the potential for something to happen or develop.

stay receptive to

Indicates a willingness to receive or consider something in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "keep the door open" in a sentence?

You can use "keep the door open" to suggest maintaining an option or opportunity. For instance, "We should "remain open to" negotiations and "keep the door open" for further discussions".

What does it mean to "keep the door open"?

To "keep the door open" means to allow for the possibility of future interaction, collaboration, or reconsideration. It suggests not foreclosing any options or opportunities.

What's the difference between "keep the door open" and "burn bridges"?

"Keep the door open" means maintaining positive relationships and future opportunities, while "burn bridges" means damaging or destroying relationships, making future interactions impossible.

When is it appropriate to "keep the door open"?

It's appropriate to "keep the door open" when you want to maintain a positive relationship, allow for potential future collaboration, or avoid making irreversible decisions. It's a strategic approach in negotiations, career moves, and personal relationships.