left an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a gap or opportunity for something to happen, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The unexpected resignation of the CEO left an opening for new leadership within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Justin's departure left an opening in left field.

Los Angeles Times

His ambiguity left an opening.

The Economist

Cisneros's implosion left an opening.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has left an opening for the universities, he said.

The New York Times

These requisites have left an opening at the budget-minded end of the market.

The New York Times

That left an opening to press forward with their own demands.

The New York Times

Yet a botched extra-point attempt by Flores left an opening.

The New York Times - Sports

This stifled the market and left an opening for other firms to create mobile-data platforms of their own.

The Economist

The lapse left an opening for a generation of gifted luthiers who were convinced they could do better.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet this leaves an opening for competitors.

The Economist

That leaves an opening for local lenders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left an opening" to describe situations where a departure, failure, or change has created an opportunity for someone or something else to step in and fill the void.

Common error

While "left an opening" is widely understood, consider more sophisticated vocabulary in formal writing. Alternatives like "created a vacuum" or "presented an opportunity" might be more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left an opening" functions primarily as a verb phrase, acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the result of an action, where something has created a space or opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage is correct and applicable across various contexts, with Ludwig providing several examples where the phrase is used to indicate opportunities arising from a previous event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left an opening" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression indicating that something has created a void or opportunity for subsequent actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe a consequence across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While versatile, consider more sophisticated vocabulary in formal writing. Remember to use "left an opening" when highlighting how a departure or failure has presented new possibilities for others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

created a void

Emphasizes the sense of something missing or lacking as a result of the opening.

presented an opportunity

Focuses on the positive aspect of the opening, highlighting potential benefits.

generated a gap

Highlights the creation of a space that can be filled.

opened the door

Suggests a chance for advancement or new possibilities.

made way for

Indicates that something has been cleared to allow something else to take its place.

cleared a path

Suggests that obstacles have been removed, creating an opportunity for progress.

established a window

Emphasizes a limited period of time where an opportunity is available.

provided an inroad

Implies that the opening provides a way to gain access or influence.

uncovered a vulnerability

Highlights a weakness or susceptibility that can be exploited.

set the stage for

Suggests that the opening creates conditions for future events.

FAQs

How can I use "left an opening" in a sentence?

Use "left an opening" to indicate that something has created a void or opportunity. For example, "The competitor's failure "left an opening" for our company to gain market share".

What's a more formal way to say "left an opening"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "created a vacuum", "presented an opportunity", or "generated a gap" instead of ""left an opening"".

Is it correct to say "left with an opening"?

While grammatically understandable, "left with an opening" is less common. "Left an opening" usually implies someone or something else can fill the space, not the person who left.

What's the difference between "left an opening" and "created an opportunity"?

"Left an opening" suggests a void or gap that exists, while "created an opportunity" actively implies the formation of a favorable circumstance. They are similar but emphasize different aspects.