opening game

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening game" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first game in a series, tournament, or season, often in the context of sports or competitions. Example: "The opening game of the season will take place this Saturday at the stadium."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be a tough opening game.

Independent

Especially after the opening game.

The New York Times - Sports

A mixed bag that opening game.

The Guardian - Sport

"Argentina was bad in the opening game," Kempes said.

The New York Times

They had won the opening game, 5-1, Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

"And we played the French in the opening game.

Independent

It happened in the opening game of the second set.

The New York Times - Sports

The opening game, against Cleveland, went into overtime.

The New York Times - Sports

Hers was more of a brilliant opening game.

The Economist

It was very tough in the opening game.

The Guardian - Sport

■ They have never lost their opening game in the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a specific sport, use terminology that is appropriate for that sport. For example, "season opener" is best used in sports contexts while "inaugural game" can apply more broadly.

Common error

Avoid using "opening game" interchangeably with phrases that imply a specific level of competition, such as "championship game", as they refer to different stages of a tournament or season.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening game" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the initial match or contest in a series, tournament, or season. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used, specifically in sports contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening game" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the first match or contest in a series, tournament, or season. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to inform and generate interest in the beginning of a competitive event. While generally neutral in register, its specific connotations can vary depending on the sport and context. Alternatives like "first match" or "season opener" offer similar meanings, with subtle differences. Therefore, you can confidently use the "opening game" phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first match

Focuses on the sequential position of the game as the initial contest.

season opener

Highlights the game's role in beginning a sports season.

opening contest

Synonymous, using 'contest' instead of 'game'.

inaugural game

Emphasizes the game's role as a beginning or launch.

debut game

Focuses on the first appearance or introduction.

initial contest

Uses more formal language to describe the first competition.

first round match

Emphasizes the tournament structure and the match's position.

primary match

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the initial game.

kickoff game

Specific to sports, highlighting the start of the game.

curtain-raiser

An idiomatic expression for the first event.

FAQs

How can I use "opening game" in a sentence?

You can use "opening game" to refer to the first match in a tournament or season. For instance, "The team is preparing for their "first match" which is also the opening game of the tournament".

What's another way to say "opening game"?

Alternatives to "opening game" include "season opener", "first match", or "inaugural game", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "opening game" or "first game"?

Both "opening game" and "first game" are correct, but "opening game" usually implies that it's the start of a significant series or season. "First game" (/s/first+game) is more generic and can refer to any initial match.

What makes an "opening game" significant?

An "opening game" typically sets the tone for a team's performance throughout a tournament or season. It can significantly impact team morale and public perception, thus it is also considered a "keynote game".