open its gates

USAGE SUMMARY

"open its gates" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a physical object or location that is being opened to allow access to something or someone. Example: "The castle will open its gates to the public for a special tour of its historical grounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

However, when Shanghai Disneyland throws open its gates, it will mark more than the mere arrival of the world's best-marketed rodent to the Middle Kingdom.

The Economist

The company has not announced plans for it, but it did open its gates to reporters and photographers on Thursday.

The New York Times

A hidden garden space – due to open its gates this summer – it will offer a green haven in a former recycling yard.

The Guardian - Travel

On Thursday it will again open its gates to serve a familiar role: a day-long commemoration will take place there, with therapy dogs and counsellors on hand, and events will conclude with the short interfaith service in the evening.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, it's still flinging open its gates four hours later than Walmart, which is opening at midnight.

Forbes

A digital Middle-earth will open its gates to thousands of virtual characters embarking on quests, plumbing subterranean realms and slaughtering plenty of goblins and trolls.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"This episode was why China became China as we know it today 197979 is the year the country started to open its gate to the west," Li says, "but it was also important for me.

The Guardian

Later on Thursday, when a South Korean diplomat tried to return the letter to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the ministry refused to open its gate for him, South Korean officials said.

The New York Times

Walt Disney's vision of a real-life fantasy world brought magical animation to life when it opened its gates back in 1955, and through the decades it has become a staple of American pop culture thanks to its collection of lovable characters, exciting rides, and theatrical presentation.

Huffington Post

In the meantime, they asked women to refrain from entering the temple when it opened its gates this week for the first time since the ruling.

Huffington Post

The theme park imagined in the first film has finally opened its gates, and it is now packed with tourists, all of them understandably keen to feed birdseed to a Pterodactyl, and to take a selfie with a Stegosaurus.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "open its gates" when you want to convey the idea of something becoming accessible or available after a period of closure or restriction. For instance, "The museum will open its gates after the renovation."

Common error

Avoid using "open its gates" too figuratively when a more direct term would be clearer. Instead of saying, "The company opened its gates to new ideas", consider "The company welcomed new ideas" for simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open its gates" typically functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of granting access, either literally or figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from physical locations like parks to abstract concepts like opportunities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open its gates" is a versatile phrase, commonly used to describe the act of granting access, either literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it maintains a generally neutral register, careful attention should be paid to avoiding overuse in overly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Overall, "open its gates" is a reliable and effective way to communicate the commencement of accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw open its doors

A more emphatic version of "open its gates", suggesting a grander opening.

welcome entry

Implies a positive and inviting opening.

grant access

Emphasizes the permission aspect of allowing entry.

unlock the entrance

Focuses on the physical act of unlocking or making accessible.

commence operations

Replaces the metaphorical "gates" with a more direct reference to starting activities.

start admitting

Specifically refers to allowing people or things to enter.

initiate entry

Highlights the beginning of the process of entering.

begin accepting

Focuses on the action of receiving or allowing something in.

make accessible

Shifts the focus to the act of making something reachable or available.

inaugurate proceedings

A more formal way of saying starting or opening something.

FAQs

How can I use "open its gates" in a sentence?

You can use "open its gates" to describe the literal opening of a physical gate, as in, "The park will "open its gates" at dawn". It can also be used metaphorically to describe something becoming accessible, such as, "The university "opened its gates" to international students".

What's a good alternative to "open its gates"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "grant access", "throw open its doors", or "begin accepting". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize permission, a grand opening, or the act of receiving something.

Is "open its gates" formal or informal?

"Open its gates" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for news reports, general writing, and even some business contexts. However, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred.

Can "open its gates" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "open its gates" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts becoming accessible or available. For example, you could say, "The conference "opened its gates" to new research findings".