open thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open thing" is correct and usable in written English, though it may be context-dependent.
You can use it when referring to an object or concept that is not closed or is accessible in some way. Example: "The open thing on the table caught my attention, as it was filled with various interesting items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

KEAN: That's not a very open thing to say.

The New York Times

It's the most open thing I've ever heard".

The Guardian - Music

I would want it to be an open thing.

The Guardian

He added: "In many ways, it's the most open thing the EU in particular has done".

The Guardian - Business

Like everyone else in the civilized wireless word, Yahoo! is keen on the whole "open" thing.

TechCrunch

"They started off saying they didn't want to run any of the homes at all - they preferred to close six and sell-off 10. "[The consultation] was clearly not an open thing to go into when they had already decided that they are not going to run homes in the future".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Peter Beardsley could open things up.

Independent

This would open things up over the top.

The New York Times

"Er well, sir. To open things, sir …" Mmm.

The Guardian - Music

The government needed to open things up politically, Abdullah said, and allow greater freedom of expression.

The New Yorker

He tugs at his briefs to open things up and get some air.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open thing", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of 'openness' you are referring to (e.g., accessible, transparent, or in progress).

Common error

Avoid using "open thing" when a more specific descriptor would provide clarity. Instead of "It's an open thing", consider "It's an "accessible item"" or "It's a "transparent matter"" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to an object, situation, or concept that is accessible, not yet finalized, or available for discussion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples include referring to an accessible item or an unresolved matter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "open thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, particularly in News & Media, to describe something accessible, transparent, or not yet finalized. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's essential to consider the context and choose more precise alternatives like ""accessible item"" or ""transparent matter"" for clarity, especially in formal settings. This helps avoid vagueness and ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accessible item

Focuses on the ease of access rather than a general 'thing'.

unsealed object

Emphasizes the state of being unsealed, differing from a more general 'thing'.

available entity

Highlights the availability, not just the openness, of something.

unrestricted item

Emphasizes the lack of restrictions, offering a more specific meaning.

transparent matter

Conveys openness in the sense of transparency or clarity.

public resource

Suggests something that is open to the public, changing the context slightly.

commenced project

Shifts the focus to the beginning of something, not just its openness.

initiated task

Similar to 'commenced project', emphasizing the start of an activity.

unclosed matter

Highlights that something is not yet finished or resolved.

unfinished business

Refers to something incomplete that requires further attention.

FAQs

How can I use "open thing" in a sentence?

You can use "open thing" to refer to something accessible, transparent, or unresolved. For instance, "The consultation was clearly not an "open thing" if decisions were already made."

What's a more precise way to say "open thing"?

Depending on the intended meaning, consider alternatives like ""accessible item"", ""transparent matter"", or "unfinished business".

Is "open thing" formal or informal?

"Open thing" tends to be informal. In formal contexts, opt for more specific and precise language like "public resource" or "unresolved issue".

What does it mean when something is described as an "open thing"?

It generally means the subject in question is accessible, not finalized, or available for discussion or modification. The exact interpretation depends on the context.