opened the building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opened the building" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making a building accessible for use, often in the context of an event or a new opening. Example: "The mayor officially opened the building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As the Russian stood by, the postman opened the building door and dropped off the mail.

The Guardian

"Whatever happens next, something extraordinary has happened in these first three months – we opened the building successfully.

The Guardian

Since it opened, the building has attracted thousands of people, including many architects, who clearly don't (just) come for the wine.

The New York Times - Arts

That night, President Woodrow Wilson formally opened the building from Washington by pressing a switch, which lighted the tower top to bottom.

The New York Times

Patrick Foye, executive director of the port authority, opened the building earlier this month saying the building "sets new standards of design, construction, prestige, and sustainability".

The Guardian

Hélène Guenin, the museum's acting director, says that in the four years since it opened the building has attracted 2.2 million visitors, more than twice the expected number.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Brown did not get to open the building.

The New York Times

This is part of our drive to open the building up".

Independent

Her father, Hal Malkin, tried to open the building's front door but was unable to.

The New York Times

He added, "I think it's better to open the building with a good buzz and good atmosphere.

The New York Times - Sports

Television stations reported the cracks in the building the night before it collapsed, but no local authority prevented Mr. Rana from opening the building the next morning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the opening of a building, consider the context. Use "opened the building" for general access or specific instances of providing entry. For formal events, consider "inaugurated" or "launched".

Common error

Avoid using "opened the building" in highly formal contexts like official ceremonies or press releases. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "inaugurated" or "unveiled" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened the building" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'opened' is the verb indicating the action, and 'the building' is the direct object. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opened the building" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of making a building accessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing in news, general writing, and formal contexts, although alternatives like "inaugurated" might be more appropriate for official events. The phrase's frequency and diverse usage highlight its importance in describing the accessibility and commencement of a building's functions. While generally neutral, context dictates the best stylistic choice, emphasizing precision in language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inaugurated the building

A more formal way of saying "opened the building", often used in official ceremonies.

launched the building

Similar to inaugurated, suggesting a formal introduction or start of operations.

commenced operations in the building

Focuses on the start of activities within the building.

granted access to the building

Emphasizes the act of allowing entry or use of the building.

unveiled the building

Implies a formal presentation or reveal of a new or renovated building.

made the building accessible

Highlights the action of making the building available for use.

established the building's presence

Indicates the beginning of the building's role or function.

introduced the building

Suggests the formal introduction of a new building to the public.

initiated use of the building

Highlights the commencement of utilizing the building for its intended purpose.

established the building

Refers to setting up and beginning the function of the building.

FAQs

What does "opened the building" mean?

The phrase "opened the building" generally refers to the act of making a building accessible for use, either for the first time or after a period of closure. It can also denote a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a building's operations.

What can I say instead of "opened the building" for a formal event?

For formal events, you can use alternatives such as "inaugurated the building", "launched the building", or "unveiled the building" to convey a more sophisticated and official tone.

How do I use "opened the building" in a sentence?

You can use "opened the building" in sentences like: "The mayor officially opened the building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony" or "A teenager named Nasim opened the building with a key."

What is the difference between "opened the building" and "granted access to the building"?

"Opened the building" usually refers to a general act of making a building accessible, while "granted access to the building" emphasizes the permission or authorization given to enter or use the building.