opening move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening move" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when talking about a strategy or plan, typically in a game or competition. It refers to the first action taken in a series of moves. Example: The chess grandmaster's opening move was unexpected and threw his opponent off guard.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If your opponent wins the opportunity to roll first, you may need to adjust your preferred opening move strategy to better position yourself based on their opening move.

WikiHow

Being gifted and going from opening move to checkmate in between homework and chores isn't easy.

The New York Times

That means every year's tax bill is just the government's opening move in an annual chess game, and Trump doesn't want to give away his own opening move.

The Washington Post

Musharraf's removal is the opening move in his plan to seize total power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jibe The traditionally sneaky opening move in a bout of mind games, which can escalate to a war of words.

The Guardian - Sport

But such are the uncertainties around this strange flotation that some observers are already wondering whether it is an opening move rather than an end game.

The Economist

THE opening move of Barack Obama's campaign against the Taliban and al-Qaeda was as successful as he could have wished.

The Economist

25] in the opening move of a campaign "to disarm the Katanga gendarmerie and police" throughout most of the secessionist province in the Congo.

The New York Times

Tully has now undergone a hundred-and-fifty-nine-million-dollar renovation — the opening move in a scheme to transform Lincoln Center's public image.

The New Yorker

Tully has now undergone a hundred-and-fifty-nine-million-dollar renovation the opening move in a scheme to transform Lincoln Center's public image.

The New Yorker

This nicely fecund setup is merely Ms. Rendell's opening move in a deft, sneaky and complicated book, a novel rich with parallels and shadows.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opening move" to describe the initial action taken in a strategic context, whether it's in a game, negotiation, or campaign. Ensure the context implies a calculated advantage or plan.

Common error

Avoid using "opening move" simply to mean 'first action' if there's no strategic element involved. A simple start doesn't qualify; it needs a sense of planning or intended advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening move" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial action in a strategic sequence, often in games, negotiations, or political campaigns. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies the first step of a planned action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening move" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies the initial action in a strategic context, often in games, negotiations, or campaigns. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral to professional register. Related phrases include "initial step" or "first action", though they often lack the strategic connotation. Remember to use "opening move" when a calculated advantage or plan is involved, not just a simple beginning. With its frequent usage and clear strategic implication, "opening move" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first play

Directly parallels the query in a game context, emphasizing a strategic advantage.

initial step

Focuses on the very first action in a process, similar to the query but less strategic.

initial gambit

Highlights the risk-taking aspect of the first action, suitable for strategic contexts.

first action

A general term for the initial act, lacking the tactical implication of the query.

starting point

Highlights the beginning of a process or journey, less specific than the query.

first initiative

Emphasizes the proactive nature of the first action, often used in business or political contexts.

lead-off

Describes the first item or person in a sequence, often used in sports or performances.

preliminary action

Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the action, adding a layer of formality.

introductory move

Focuses on the purpose of introducing something new, rather than a competitive strategy.

inaugural measure

Suggests a more formal and official start, suitable for policy or organizational changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "opening move" to describe the first action in a strategic situation, such as "The company's "opening move" in the negotiation was to offer a lower price."

What is an alternative to saying "opening move"?

Alternatives include "initial step", "first action", or "starting point", depending on the specific context. All of them are less strategical than the query.

When is it appropriate to use "opening move"?

It's appropriate when describing the beginning of a strategic endeavor, like a chess game, a business negotiation, or a political campaign, where the first action sets the tone or direction.

What's the difference between "opening move" and "first step"?

"Opening move" implies strategy and a calculated advantage, while "first step" is a more general term for the initial action in any process, without necessarily implying strategy.