offer an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to providing an opportunity or a chance for something to happen, such as a discussion or an invitation. Example: "The speaker's comments offered an opening for further dialogue on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the change in power after 17 years of a pro-American right-wing government could offer an opening.

The New York Times

The crisis in Syria seemed to offer an opening for ambitious do-gooders like Kassig; at least, they were lured by the prospect of one.

The New Yorker

He is expected to offer an opening comic benediction, almost surely intended as a parody of the religious-themed rally headed by Mr. Beck.

The New York Times

His public defenders chose not to offer an opening statement until after the prosecution presents its case, which is expected to take a week or more.

The New York Times

And here too the new terrain seems to offer an opening for out, and not only because the Labour leader will struggle to be even a lukewarm advocate for the other side.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pregnancy is a unique setting, with two genetically distinct beings that intertwine without rejecting each other a setting that, in theory at least, should offer an opening for cell therapy.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Usually Ryan offers an opening statement during his postgame news conferences.

The New York Times - Sports

Gaiman offered an opening line: Gaiman then invited contributions from his followers on Twitter.

The Guardian - Books

Verhoeven, citing Crossan, offers an opening scene for a Jesus bio-pic which neatly underlines this point.

The New Yorker

In purely political terms, the growing crisis offered an opening to Mr Obama to present the Republicans as the poison in the system in Washington.

Independent

If poetry habitually offers an opening up, a sharing and surrendering of the senses and perceptions, for Kathleen it serves a different purpose.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "offer an opening" when you want to emphasize the provision of a chance or opportunity, especially in situations where something new or beneficial can emerge.

Common error

Avoid using "offer an opening" when you intend to convey a guaranteed outcome. The phrase implies a possibility, not a certainty; ensure your language reflects this nuance to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer an opening" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action that creates or provides an opportunity. It is often followed by a prepositional phrase specifying what the opening is for, such as "offer an opening for dialogue." As seen in Ludwig AI, the phrase appears in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "offer an opening" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the creation or provision of an opportunity. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While the phrase implies a possibility rather than a guarantee, it serves as a versatile way to suggest potential benefits or opportunities arising from a particular situation or action. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives such as "present an opportunity" or "provide a chance" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present an opportunity

Focuses on the act of presenting or making an opportunity available.

create an opportunity

Emphasizes the act of generating or bringing an opportunity into existence.

provide a chance

Highlights the provision of a possibility or occasion for something.

afford an opportunity

Indicates that something allows for a certain possibility or action.

extend an invitation

Specifically refers to the act of formally inviting someone, which can be seen as providing an opening.

open the door

Uses a metaphor to suggest creating a path or opportunity.

pave the way

Implies clearing obstacles to make something possible.

establish a basis

Indicates setting the groundwork or foundation for something to begin.

furnish a possibility

Highlights the action of supplying a potential opportunity.

enable a prospect

Focuses on making a future opportunity feasible or likely.

FAQs

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

You can use "offer an opening" to describe how a situation or action creates an opportunity. For example, "The new policy "offers an opening" for small businesses to thrive."

What are some alternatives to "offer an opening"?

Alternatives to "offer an opening" include phrases like "present an opportunity", "provide a chance", or "create an opportunity depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "offer an opening" or "provide a chance"?

"Offer an opening" and "provide a chance" are both suitable for many contexts. However, "offer an opening" might be slightly more formal, especially in business or academic writing, while "provide a chance" is generally more conversational.

What's the difference between "offer an opening" and "open the door"?

"Offer an opening" suggests providing a possibility or opportunity, while "open the door" implies making progress or access easier. "The new policy "offers an opening" for collaboration," versus "This success "opens the door" to further investment."