open the paper

USAGE SUMMARY

"open the paper" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that you would like someone to open a newspaper or document to read. For example, "Please open the paper and read the article on page 3."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You'd open the paper and there were boxing stories.

The New York Times

Nowadays, he said, "you can't open the paper without reading about it".

The New York Times

In the morning, I open the paper and none of this checks out.

The New Yorker

"These days, you open the paper and read about kids shooting up schools," Sears says.

The New York Times - Magazine

So, it is with joy in our heart that we open the paper to find speculation on the BIG one.

The Guardian - Sport

Here in Britain, page three means breasts; a daily dose of boobs as soon as you open the paper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can't listen to the radio; I can't open the paper," my father told me a couple of weeks ago.

The New York Times - Sports

He tore open the paper wrapping of the chopsticks, pulled them apart, and rubbed them together to smooth the edges.

The New Yorker

New Yorkers could open the paper and read about three women who had been trampled to death in a stampede.

The Economist

He said he was surprised to open the paper and read that Mr. Giuliani would soon drop out of the race.

The New York Times

It seems like every time you open the paper or accidentally see a foreign news broadcast, people are talking about drones.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open the paper" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to a physical newspaper or document. If referring to a digital version, consider using "access the paper" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "open the paper" when referring to online news sources. Instead, use phrases like "access the article" or "read the news online".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open the paper" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "open" is the main verb and "the paper" is the direct object. It indicates the action of unfolding or accessing a newspaper or document to begin reading it. Ludwig confirms its general acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "open the paper" is a common and grammatically sound expression generally used to describe the act of beginning to read a physical newspaper or document. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in English writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also has notable usage in general and informal settings. While versatile, it is best used when referring to physical newspapers or documents, and alternatives like "access the paper" may be more appropriate for digital contexts. When writing, be mindful of the medium you're referencing to ensure clarity. Common alternatives include "begin reading the newspaper", "start reading the paper", and "look at the newspaper". This ensures your writing is both accurate and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start reading the paper

Uses "start reading" instead of "open" to indicate the action of beginning to read.

begin reading the newspaper

Replaces "open" with "begin reading" and specifies "newspaper" for clarity.

check the newspaper

Implies reviewing the newspaper for specific information.

look at the newspaper

Focuses on the visual aspect of looking at the physical paper.

scan the paper

Suggests a quick review of the newspaper.

read the daily news

Highlights the act of reading the news, which is found in the paper.

browse the newspaper

Implies a leisurely reading of the paper.

unfold the newspaper

Emphasizes the physical action of unfolding the paper before reading.

peruse the paper

A more formal way of saying "read the paper carefully".

access the paper

Refers to gaining access to the content of the newspaper, possibly in digital form.

FAQs

What does "open the paper" mean?

The phrase "open the paper" typically means to unfold and begin reading a physical newspaper. It can also refer to opening any kind of document for review.

What can I say instead of "open the paper"?

You can use alternatives like "begin reading the newspaper", "start reading the paper", or "access the paper" depending on the context.

Is "open the paper" formal or informal?

"Open the paper" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might opt for "peruse the paper".

How to use "open the paper" in a sentence?

You can use "open the paper" in a sentence like, "Every morning, I "open the paper" to catch up on the latest news" or "He would "open the paper" and immediately turn to the sports section".