opening statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening statement" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement, usually written, that introduces the purpose of a discussion or presentation and sets out the general points to be discussed. For example: In her opening statement, the CEO outlined the company's new marketing strategy and its goals for the coming year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What opening statement do these facts support?

The New York Times

"You're going to waive opening statement?" he asked.

The New York Times - Magazine

My courageous wife @GabbyGiffords about to give opening statement at gun hearing.

The New York Times

Perhaps the lawyer who gets up to begin his opening statement and can't find his papers?

The New York Times

Opening Statement: Minimum Wage Debate.

Huffington Post

The text of Shakur's opening statement in the trial is reproduced in her autobiography.

Wikipedia

We must disagree with the authors' opening statement that "MRI is the modality of choice when diagnosing spinal stenosis'.

Acta Orthopaedica

(Opening statement, he got it in by 5).

The New York Times

Get a copy of your Account Opening Statement.

Huffington Post

The defense is to give its opening statement today.

The New York Times

He read no opening statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting an "opening statement", focus on clarity and conciseness to immediately capture the audience's attention. Clearly outline the main points you intend to cover.

Common error

Avoid including too much detail in your "opening statement". It should provide a roadmap, not a comprehensive account. Save the specifics for later in your presentation or argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening statement" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the initial presentation of facts or arguments, commonly in legal or formal settings. As Ludwig showcases, it appears in varied contexts, from news reports to legal proceedings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening statement" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase, typically used to describe the initial presentation of an argument or outline of a topic, particularly in formal contexts such as legal proceedings or presentations. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent appearance in news and media, with a neutral to professional register. While it's important to be clear and concise in any "opening statement", as Ludwig AI confirms, over-elaboration should be avoided to maintain audience engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Opening remarks

Similar to "opening statement" but slightly less formal and can apply to various contexts.

Introductory speech

Emphasizes that the speech is designed to introduce a topic or speaker.

Introductory remarks

Focuses on the introductory nature of the statement, emphasizing its purpose of setting the stage.

Initial presentation

Highlights the act of presenting information at the beginning of a process or event.

Starting declaration

Emphasizes the declarative aspect of the initial statement, highlighting a formal announcement.

Preliminary address

Emphasizes the formal aspect of a speech or statement given at the start.

First speech

Highlights the chronological order of the speech as the first one given.

Beginning speech

A more straightforward alternative, simply denoting a speech that occurs at the beginning.

Initial comments

Less formal than "opening statement", suitable for more casual situations.

Lead-in

Refers to the introductory part that sets the context for what follows.

FAQs

How can I start an "opening statement" effectively?

Start with a compelling hook, such as a thought-provoking question, a relevant anecdote, or a striking statistic to immediately grab the audience's attention.

What's the difference between "opening remarks" and "opening statement"?

"Opening remarks" are generally less formal and can be used in a wider variety of contexts. An "opening statement" is typically used in legal or formal presentations to outline the case or topic being presented.

What should I include in an "opening statement"?

An "opening statement" should include a brief overview of the main points you will be discussing, the purpose of your presentation or argument, and a clear statement of your position or goals.

Can I use something else than "opening statement"?

You can use alternatives like "introductory remarks", "initial presentation", or "preliminary address" depending on the context.