opening up

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: "The Prime Minister has announced plans for opening up the economy after months of lockdown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Opening up the refrigerator.

The New York Times

"Opening Up," by James Farrer.

The New Yorker

"And they started opening up".

The New York Times - Arts

Game opening up now.

The Guardian - Sport

Opening up, waking up".

The Guardian

That's opening up networks.

The Guardian

"We feel good about opening up now.

The New York Times

It's about opening up a dialogue".

The New York Times - Arts

"China was just opening up," he said.

The New York Times

"He is opening up the wound".

The New York Times

This is opening up now.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opening up" to describe emotional vulnerability, ensure the context clearly indicates a willingness to share feelings or experiences. For example, "Opening up about his childhood was a difficult but necessary step."

Common error

Avoid using "opening up" in contexts where a literal opening is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "He's opening up the door", use "He's opening the door".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "opening up" is that of a phrasal verb. Ludwig provides examples where it functions transitively (e.g., "opening up the market") and intransitively (e.g., "students are opening up"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "opening up" is a versatile and commonly used expression with a wide range of applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and functions effectively in diverse contexts. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science", indicating its broad applicability. While "opening up" is generally acceptable, choosing more formal alternatives like "initiating" or "launching" may be more appropriate in professional settings. Remember to use "opening up" in contexts that align with its core meanings: initiating, expanding, or revealing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing

Focuses on the act of making something known or visible, emphasizing disclosure.

disclosing

Highlights the act of revealing confidential or private information.

unveiling

Emphasizes the act of revealing something previously hidden or secret.

starting

Implies the beginning or initiation of something, similar to "opening up" a process or opportunity.

initiating

Highlights the action of beginning or setting something in motion.

unlocking

Suggests releasing or making accessible something that was previously restricted.

launching

Suggests a formal beginning or introduction, often used in business or marketing contexts.

expanding

Focuses on increasing the scope or scale of something, like "opening up" new markets.

broadening

Similar to expanding, but implies making something wider or more inclusive.

making accessible

Focuses on rendering something easy to approach or obtain, akin to "opening up" access.

FAQs

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

"Opening up" can be used in various contexts, such as "The company is "expanding" its market share" or "She is "starting to share" her feelings more openly now".

What are some alternatives to "opening up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "revealing", "starting", or ""expanding"".

Is it correct to use "opening up" in a formal setting?

Yes, "opening up" is generally acceptable in formal settings, especially when discussing topics like economic reforms or diplomatic relations. However, consider using more formal synonyms like "initiating" or "launching" for a more professional tone.

What does "opening up" mean in the context of personal relationships?

In personal relationships, "opening up" typically means becoming more vulnerable and sharing your thoughts and feelings with another person. It implies building trust and fostering deeper connections.