opening the door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opening the door" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate someone physically opening a door. An example sentence might be: "Carla opened the door and stepped into the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No opening the door.

The New York Times

"Yes!" she said, opening the door.

The New Yorker

"No," she said, opening the door.

The New Yorker

They tried opening the door.

The New York Times

Opening the Door: Teaching Towards Creativity.

Yale University

Opening the door of the house is like opening the door of an oven.

The New York Times

Opening the door everyday with trepidation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That seems worth opening the door".

The New York Times

"The thing was, opening the door.

The New York Times

Opponents complained that he was opening the door to corruption.

The Economist

I hope we are opening the door for future generations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opening the door" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning. For instance, "This research is opening the door to new treatments."

Common error

Avoid using "opening the door" metaphorically in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as the literal act of opening a physical door. This can lead to confusion and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening the door" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It can serve as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. The examples Ludwig AI provided show its versatility in describing both literal and figurative actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "opening the door" is a versatile and common expression used both literally to describe the action of opening a physical door and metaphorically to indicate the creation of opportunities or possibilities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from News & Media to Science and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to ensure clarity when using it metaphorically to avoid misinterpretation. The phrase’s high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlocking the entrance

Focuses on the act of unlocking as a means of accessing.

swinging the door open

Highlights the motion of the door opening wide.

unlatching the portal

Emphasizes the act of unlatching, suggesting a more deliberate or secured opening.

pushing the door ajar

Implies a slight opening, not fully open.

cracking the door

Suggests a very small opening, often done discreetly.

giving access

Shifts the focus from the physical act to providing access.

granting entry

Similar to 'giving access', but more formal.

creating an opportunity

Uses the phrase metaphorically, referring to new possibilities.

paving the way

Similar to 'creating an opportunity', implying progress or advancement.

initiating contact

Refers to the beginning of an interaction or communication.

FAQs

How can I use "opening the door" in a sentence?

You can use "opening the door" to describe the physical act of opening a door, as in "She was opening the door when I saw her". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "This new approach is "opening the door" to new possibilities".

What can I say instead of "opening the door" when referring to new opportunities?

When referring to creating new opportunities, you can use alternatives like "creating an opportunity", "paving the way", or "laying the foundation".

Is it correct to say "opening the door for"?

Yes, it is correct to use "opening the door for" to indicate creating an opportunity or making something possible for someone or something. For example, "This legislation is "opening the door" for small businesses to thrive".

What's the difference between "opening the door" and "walking through the door"?

"Opening the door" refers to the act of creating or initiating an opportunity, while "walking through the door" implies taking advantage of that opportunity or entering a new phase.