presented with an opening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "presented with an opening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is given an opportunity or a chance to do something, often in a formal or professional setting. Example: "During the meeting, the manager presented the team with an opening to lead the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

West Ham sent on Javier Hernández for the second half and the substitute was presented with an opening almost straight away.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Clyne was presented with a decent opening almost immediately, only to head tamely into Butland's arms, before Milner set up Alberto Moreno for a shot that flew wide but still amounted to Liverpool's best attempt since turning round.

The Guardian - Sport

Simon Church was then presented with a good opening after 31 minutes when he latched on to a bad square pass from Vladimir Levin and set off towards goal only for a desperate saving tackle from Rashad Sadigov to stop him in his tracks.

The Guardian - Sport

The nuclear deal had presented Iran with an opening to the West after years of tensions and deepening isolation.

The Washington Post

First, the otherwise excellent Martin Keown presented Giggs with an opening by failing to cut out David Beckham's long pass forward.

The Guardian - Sport

They are convinced that the defeat of the Republican plan to defund the law has presented them with an opening to seek revisions, like changing the definition of a full-time worker who is entitled to health insurance to one who works 40 hours a week, up from the existing 30 in the law.

The New York Times

There, Sunni grievances against the Shia-led government, had presented them with an opening.

BBC

Accies travelled south with just one win in their 13 previous games and soon found themselves up against it when a Jesus Garcia Tena miskick presented Annan with an opening after six minutes.

BBC

The departure of Anderson from the attack after 13 consecutive overs presented them with an opening and they took full advantage as Haddin cracked three consecutive fours off the bowling of an off-colour Steven Finn, whose two overs cost 24 runs.

BBC

The episodes were altered on the DVD; formatted in 1.78 widescreen, and presented with no opening segment and an alternate closing.

Wikipedia

When the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics begins, viewers will be presented with a minutely choreographed spectacle swathed in nationalist kitsch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "presented with an opening" to describe a situation where someone is formally given an opportunity, especially in professional or strategic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "presented with an opening" in casual conversation; it's better suited for formal writing or when describing strategic opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "presented with an opening" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something received an opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is valid and commonly used. The verb "presented" suggests a formal offering or provision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "presented with an opening" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes the act of someone being given a chance or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and it finds most of its use in news, science, and wiki contexts. Although not extremely frequent, this phrase is suitable for formal writing and professional communications. It's often used when discussing strategic opportunities or potential vulnerabilities. For less formal contexts, alternatives like "given a chance" or "offered an opportunity" might be more appropriate. Remember to reserve the use of the phrase "presented with an opening" to writing or more formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offered an opportunity

Focuses on the act of providing a chance, emphasizing the giver rather than the receiver.

given a chance

Highlights the receipt of a possibility to act, simpler and more direct.

afforded an opportunity

More formal, emphasizing the provision of favorable conditions for something.

granted an opening

Suggests permission or allowance in addition to providing a chance.

provided with a possibility

Emphasizes the potential aspect of the opportunity.

met with a chance

Highlights the encounter with an opportunity, often unexpectedly.

encountered an opportunity

Similar to 'met with', stressing the finding or discovering of a chance.

received an opportunity

Focuses on the act of getting a chance, often passive.

bestowed an opportunity

Implies a generous or formal giving of a chance, often from a superior.

furnished with an opening

Suggests a provision of necessary resources or conditions for a chance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "presented with an opening" to sound less formal?

You can use alternatives like "given a chance", "offered an opportunity", or simply "had an opportunity" depending on the context.

Is "presented with an opening" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "presented with an opening" is appropriate for academic writing. It's a formal way to describe that someone was given an opportunity. However, always ensure the tone aligns with the overall style of your paper.

What's the difference between "presented with an opening" and "given an opportunity"?

"Presented with an opening" often implies a more formal or strategic provision of a chance, whereas "given an opportunity" is a more general and common expression.

Can "presented with an opening" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "presented with an opening" can be used in a negative context to describe a missed opportunity or a vulnerability that someone exploited, for example: 'The error presented the opposing team with an opening to score'.