open the door

USAGE SUMMARY

"open the door" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to ask someone to open the door. For example: "Can you please open the door?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'll open the door.' ".

The New York Times

"Just open the door".

Independent

"Open the door right now".

The New Yorker

I just open the door".

The New York Times

"Open the door?" Solness says.

The New Yorker

"Maybe they'll open the door".

The New Yorker

Having someone open the door for me.

The New York Times

She would knock and open the door.

The New Yorker

Mr. Wong's advice: open the door.

The New York Times

Open the door to the conversation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I'm screaming, 'Open the door!

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing specific information about the manner or purpose of opening the door, add descriptive adverbs or phrases such as "open the door quickly" or "open the door to welcome guests".

Common error

Avoid using "open the door" repeatedly in descriptive passages. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or more descriptive actions such as "she reached for the handle" or "he turned the knob and entered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open the door" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing or requesting someone to perform the action of opening a door. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "open the door" is a very common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to directly instruct someone to open a door. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, media, and everyday instructions. While its primary function is literal, it can also be used figuratively to represent creating opportunities. Remember to consider the context to avoid overuse in narrative descriptions and to maintain politeness when making requests. While generally neutral, the register can shift based on context. By varying your language and considering the specific scenario, you can effectively and appropriately use the phrase "open the door" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlock the door

Focuses on the action of unlocking as a prerequisite to opening.

unbolt the door

Highlights the removal of a bolt, implying a more secure closure.

push the door open

Emphasizes the action of pushing to open the door.

swing the door open

Suggests a more forceful and sudden opening.

crack the door

Implies opening the door slightly, not fully.

fling the door open

Conveys a sense of urgency or anger in opening the door.

allow entry

Focuses on granting permission to enter, which may involve opening the door.

grant access

Similar to 'allow entry' but more formal and broader in scope.

clear the doorway

Implies removing obstacles to allow passage, potentially by opening the door.

make way

A general request to allow passage, which might involve opening a door.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "open the door" to sound more polite?

You can use phrases like "Could you "open the door", please?" or "Would you mind "opening the door"?" to add a layer of politeness.

What is the difference between ""open the door"" and "unlock the door"?

"Open the door" simply means to move the door to allow entry or exit. "Unlock the door" implies that the door is currently locked and needs to be unlocked before it can be opened.

When is it appropriate to use ""open the door"" in a sentence?

It's appropriate to use ""open the door"" when you are giving a direct command or instruction to someone to open a door. It's a straightforward imperative statement.

What are some figurative uses of ""open the door""?

Figuratively, ""open the door"" can mean to create an opportunity or to make something possible. For example, "This project could "open the door" for future collaborations".