opening exposition

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening exposition" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing the background information or context of a story, argument, or idea. Example Sentence: The opening exposition describes the setting of the novel and introduces the protagonist.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hodges had already heard that criticism from Burbank, aside from Warner Bros. co-chairman Frank Wells, who was a lone supporter, and had reluctantly acquiesced to to add an opening exposition scene so that audiences would have "Someone To Root For".

Huffington Post

In the opening exposition Mr. Harnoncourt's penchant for breaking up phrases into clear segments is in full operation.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Adamsdale and Mr. Branch are both polished performers, and their timing is meticulous, especially in the opening exposition, when they constantly interrupt each other.

The New York Times

For all its episodic fervor, the quintet is cogently structured, with, as in classical sonata form, a repeat of the entire opening exposition.

The New York Times - Arts

From the opening exposition sung by the opera's four principals — here the mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford as Phaedra, the tenor William Burden as Hippolyt, the soprano Elizabeth Reiter as Aphrodite and the countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as Artemis — Mr. Henze deploys lean, shapely atonal lines in labyrinthine angles with architectural security.

The New York Times - Arts

The opening exposition of book 2 descends into the details of atoms' behaviour and qualities.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

President Ulysses S. Grant opened the exposition on May 10 , 1876 and over the next six months more than 10 million people viewed the works of 30,000 exhibitors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Samuel J. Randall opened the Exposition with a speech on the success of the resurrected post-civil war south.

Wikipedia

The film opens with exposition-heavy narration that's the cinematic equivalent of a drug commercial reading potential side-effects.

The Guardian - Film

At the opening party for the exposition, held the next afternoon in a hangar-size conference room, Marclay was polite when people from New York, L.A., and Tokyo told him how much they adored the video, but he beamed when he was approached by people who loved his old stuff.

The New Yorker

When the exposition opened, conservatives saw the crowds it attracted as the dregs of society unleashed by the revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opening exposition" when you need to specifically refer to the initial part of a narrative or argument where background information is laid out for the audience.

Common error

Avoid making the "opening exposition" too lengthy or dense. Keep it concise and engaging, integrating exposition seamlessly with the unfolding action to maintain audience interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening exposition" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the initial part of a story, play, or essay that provides background information, setting the scene and introducing characters. Ludwig examples show usage in the context of film, literature, and music.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening exposition" refers to the initial part of a narrative that introduces the setting, characters, and background information. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, it is consistently used across reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that your exposition is concise and engaging, avoiding overwhelming the audience with too much information at once. Alternative phrases like "introductory explanation" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expositional beginning

Highlights the function of exposition at the start.

introductory explanation

Focuses more on the explanatory aspect rather than the initial placement of the explanation.

preliminary introduction

Emphasizes the introductory nature and its place before the main content.

initial presentation

Highlights the act of presenting information at the beginning.

initial briefing

Suggests a concise delivery of essential information at the outset.

starting narrative

Specifically refers to the beginning of a story or narrative.

opening disclosure

Implies revealing information at the start.

opening scene

More specific to dramatic or cinematic contexts.

preface

Refers to an introductory statement, often in written works.

intro

A shortened, more informal version of 'introduction'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "opening exposition" in my writing?

Start by establishing the core setting, characters, and conflict. Provide just enough background information to intrigue the reader without overwhelming them. Consider using vivid descriptions or a compelling hook to keep the audience engaged.

What is the purpose of the "opening exposition" in a story?

The "opening exposition" serves to introduce the world, characters, and initial conflict of the story. It sets the stage and provides the audience with the necessary context to understand and engage with the narrative that follows.

Are there alternatives to using "opening exposition"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use terms like "introductory explanation", "initial presentation", or "preliminary introduction". Choose the term that best fits the tone and purpose of your writing.

How does "opening exposition" differ from later exposition in a narrative?

The "opening exposition" is typically focused on setting up the initial conditions of the story, whereas later exposition might delve deeper into character motivations, plot complications, or historical context as the narrative unfolds.