opened the door

USAGE SUMMARY

"opened the door" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is physically opening a door. For example, "John opened the door and stepped inside the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Opened the door.

The New Yorker

She opened the door.

Forbes

Negin opened the door.

The New Yorker

He opened the door.

The New Yorker

She opened the door quietly.

The New Yorker

His wife opened the door.

The New York Times

The conductor opened the door.

The New York Times

Leonard opened the door.

The New Yorker

I had opened the door.

The New York Times

Anthony opened the door again.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They opened the doors.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the manner of opening a door, use adverbs effectively. For example, "He slowly opened the door" or "She quickly opened the door" provide more detail.

Common error

Avoid using "opened the door" metaphorically when a literal description is more appropriate. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical door or an opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened the door" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "opened" is the past tense of the verb "open", and "the door" is the direct object. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes a physical action. It indicates that someone or something performed the action of causing a door to no longer be closed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opened the door" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a verb phrase describing the physical action of causing a door to be open. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of describing an event that often allows someone to reveal or grant access. Remember to add precision with adverbs when needed. Also, be sure the intent is not metaphorical when a literal description is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlocked the entrance

Focuses on the action of unlocking, implying access was previously restricted.

entered the doorway

Highlights the act of passing through the entrance rather than the opening itself.

pushed the door ajar

Emphasizes a slight opening, suggesting caution or hesitancy.

swung the door wide

Indicates a forceful and complete opening of the door.

let someone in

Focuses on granting access to someone by opening the door.

granted entry

A more formal way of saying someone was allowed to enter.

made an entrance

Emphasizes the manner of entering, often implying a dramatic or noticeable arrival.

breached the threshold

Implies overcoming a barrier or boundary upon entering.

removed the barrier

Abstractly refers to removing any obstacle preventing entry, including a door.

provided access

Highlights the act of giving the ability to enter, not necessarily by physically opening a door.

FAQs

How can I describe the way someone opened the door?

You can use adverbs to modify the verb "opened", such as "quickly", "slowly", "cautiously", or "abruptly". For example, "She cautiously "opened the door"" suggests a hesitant action.

What are some alternatives to "opened the door"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "unlocked the entrance", "entered the doorway", or "pushed the door ajar" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "opened the door for someone"?

Yes, "opened the door for someone" is a common and correct phrase. It can literally mean holding a door open for someone, or metaphorically mean creating an opportunity for them.

What's the difference between ""opened the door"" and "entered the room"?

"Opened the door" focuses on the action of opening, while "entered the room" focuses on the action of entering. You can "open the door" without entering, and you can enter a room through an already "opened door".