opening round

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening round" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as competitions, tournaments, or discussions to refer to the initial phase or stage of an event. Example: "The opening round of the tournament will feature several exciting matches that fans won't want to miss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But it's only the opening round.

The New Yorker

That was just the opening round.

The New York Times

It found managers in the opening round.

The New York Times - Sports

McGregor's opening round was measured and effective.

The Guardian - Sport

Those teams play in the opening round.

The New York Times - Sports

No top seed has ever lost in the opening round.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Opening-round matchups will be announced later.

The New York Times - Sports

A look at each opening-round series.

The New York Times - Sports

Woods's opening-round three-over 75 cost him dearly.

The New York Times - Sports

Here is a look at the eight opening-round series.

The New York Times

He had battled into contention after an opening-round 73.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about tournaments or competitions, ensure that the term "opening round" is used to specifically denote the initial phase of the event. This clarity helps the reader understand the structure and progression of the competition.

Common error

Avoid using "opening round" to refer to any initial event that isn't part of a structured series. For instance, don't call the first meeting of a project the "opening round" unless it directly precedes a series of related events or stages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening round" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to the initial stage of a competition, tournament, or any structured event. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its standard grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opening round" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that denotes the initial phase of a competition or structured event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news and media reporting. While alternatives like "first stage" or "initial phase" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired, "opening round" remains a clear and widely understood choice. It's important to use it accurately, ensuring it refers to the start of a series of events rather than an isolated occurrence. With a high expert rating and frequent use in authoritative sources, "opening round" is a reliable and effective phrase for describing initial competition stages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

round one

A more direct and numerical way to refer to the first round, suitable for sports or games.

initial phase

Highlights the beginning or starting point of a process or event, similar to "opening round".

first stage

Focuses on the sequence and initial phase, emphasizing the sequential aspect more than "opening round".

preliminary stage

Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the round, often used when subsequent rounds build upon it.

early phase

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being at the start of something, broader than "opening round".

kickoff round

More informal and energetic, typically used in sports contexts to denote the start.

qualifying round

Specifically refers to a round that determines eligibility for further competition.

initial period

Focuses on the time frame at the beginning, applicable in contexts beyond just competitions.

first leg

Often used in two-part competitions to refer to the initial match or game.

launching phase

Suggests the start of a new project or initiative, carrying a sense of introduction or setup.

FAQs

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

You can use "opening round" to describe the beginning phase of a competition or tournament. For example: "The team performed exceptionally well in the "opening round" of the playoffs."

What is a suitable alternative for "opening round"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "opening round" include "first stage", "initial phase", or "preliminary stage".

Is it correct to use "opening round" for a single, isolated event?

While "opening round" typically implies a series of events, it can be used for a single event if it is clearly the first in a planned sequence. Otherwise, terms like "initial event" or "first meeting" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "opening round" and "qualifying round"?

"Opening round" refers to the very first stage of a competition, while "qualifying round" specifically describes a stage that determines which participants are eligible to continue in the competition.