opened wide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opened wide" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a person opening their mouth or eyes wide, for example: "She opened her eyes wide in surprise".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Carbone's eyes opened wide.

The New York Times - Food

Eyes are opened wide with fear.

The New York Times

The turtle's parrotlike mouth opened wide.

The New Yorker

Their eyes opened wide with concern.

The Washington Post

"Finkler opened wide his arms Finklerishly.... Treslove was envious.

The New Yorker

His eyes opened wide at the sight of her.

The New Yorker

The shutters of the cabinet have been opened wide.

The Economist

When I unwrapped my present, my eyes opened wide.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Open wide!

The New York Times

"It's opening wide up.

The Economist

Open Wide! | Go Ask Alice!

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opened wide" to describe someone's eyes or mouth, ensure it aligns with the intended emotion or action. For instance, eyes "opened wide" can express surprise, fear, or excitement. Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "opened wide" in contexts where a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "the investigation opened wide", consider "the investigation expanded significantly" or "the investigation broadened".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened wide" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of being or an action completed. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It describes something that has been expanded or revealed significantly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opened wide" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe a state of expansion or revelation. Its neutrality makes it suitable for various contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, whether it's the degree of expansion ("expanded greatly") or the resulting accessibility ("became accessible"). Remember to avoid using "opened wide" when a more precise verb would enhance clarity and impact. Ludwig's examples further demonstrate the breadth of applications for this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threw open

This alternative phrase changes the original structure to use an action verb, implying force or suddenness in the opening.

swung open

Similar to "threw open", this emphasizes the motion of opening, introducing a sense of momentum.

became accessible

This alternative focuses on the resulting accessibility, changing the emphasis from the act of opening to the state of being accessible.

became available

Similar to 'became accessible', this focuses on availability rather than the physical act of opening something.

expanded greatly

This alternative highlights the degree of enlargement, shifting focus from the initial action of opening.

unveiled completely

This emphasizes the full revelation, rather than the act of making something open.

spread out

This alternative emphasizes the spatial distribution or extent, differing from the initial revelation aspect of "opened wide".

exposed fully

This focuses on the complete exposure of something, implying a lack of concealment.

laid bare

This emphasizes the vulnerability associated with being opened, differing from the neutral sense of "opened wide".

parted ways

This implies separation, or diverging paths that opened up. Not as direct as "opened wide".

FAQs

How can I use "opened wide" in a sentence?

You can use "opened wide" to describe a physical opening (e.g., "The door "swung opened"") or a figurative one (e.g., "Opportunity "became available"").

What are some alternatives to the phrase "opened wide"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "expanded greatly", "became accessible", or "unveiled completely".

When is it appropriate to use "opened wide" figuratively?

It's appropriate when describing opportunities, possibilities, or doors (literal or figurative) that have become broadly available or accessible. For instance, "The internet "became accessible" to small businesses".

Is "opened wide" more formal or informal?

"Opened wide" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. Consider your audience and purpose when selecting this phrase.