the back door open

USAGE SUMMARY

"the back door open" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a door that is currently open. For example: "I noticed that the back door open and assumed someone had left it ajar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

When you coach the underdog, you always have the back door open.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's like barring the front door and leaving the back door open".

The New York Times

Then she let the air into the house, the front door and the back door open, the kitchen windows.

The New Yorker

Jewel had left the back door open for Magic, the cat, who'd been missing for four days.

The New Yorker

The task force did leave the back door open for someone else to take on the spending issue.

The New York Times

The Dupuises ate under a stained-glass hanging lamp in the kitchen, the back door open to the yard and the night breeze.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The back door opened.

The New York Times - Sports

And then, on the other side of the rectory, the back door opened and slammed shut.

The New Yorker

I took two cookies to the back door, opened it a crack, and tossed one of them toward Nero.

The New Yorker

She arranged for the house to be lifted from its foundation onto a flatbed truck, then returned to where it had been, but backward, so the front door faced the backyard, and the back door opened onto the street.

The New York Times

The back door opened and out stepped President Bush, who spotted Manning and stuck his arms out, in the manner of a receiver calling for a touchdown pass.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "the back door open", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are describing a literal open door or using it metaphorically to represent an opportunity or vulnerability. For example, in security contexts, emphasize actions to secure it.

Common error

Avoid using "the back door open" without clarifying if it's a literal door or a metaphor. For instance, if discussing a security flaw, explicitly state it's a 'backdoor' in the system to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the back door open" is descriptive. It functions as a phrase describing the state of the back door. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe both literal and figurative situations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the back door open" is a commonly used phrase that is grammatically correct and serves to describe a state where a back door is not closed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, representing either a physical opening or a vulnerability. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, it's essential to clarify whether you're referring to a physical door or a figurative "backdoor" to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the back door is not closed

A simple, direct statement about the door's state.

the back door is left ajar

Specifies that the door was intentionally left slightly open.

the rear door is ajar

Uses 'ajar' to specify the degree of openness, implying it's slightly open.

the back entrance is unsecured

Focuses on the security aspect of the open back door.

the back door remains unlocked

Shifts the focus to the door not being locked, implying accessibility.

the back portal is accessible

Uses 'portal' for a more formal or metaphorical tone, stressing entry availability.

the rear access is available

Focuses on the availability of access through the back.

the rear entry is accessible

A formal way to indicate that the back entrance can be accessed.

the back gateway is unguarded

Emphasizes the lack of security at the back entrance.

the back hatch is unlatched

Suggests the back entrance is not properly fastened.

FAQs

How can I use "the back door open" in a sentence?

You can use "the back door open" to describe a physical state, as in "I saw "the back door open" when I arrived home", or metaphorically, as in "This policy leaves "the back door open" for abuse".

What does "the back door open" mean metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "the back door open" can refer to an opportunity, loophole, or vulnerability that is accessible or exploitable. It suggests a less direct or obvious means of entry or access.

What are some alternatives to saying "the back door open"?

Alternatives include "the back door ajar", "the back door unlocked", or "the rear entrance unsecured", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the back door open"?

Yes, "the back door open" is grammatically correct, though it's often used in descriptive contexts or as part of a larger sentence. It implies a state of being where the back door is not closed.