they are open

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'they are open' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a business, organization, store, or other place that is currently allowing people to enter or access something. For example: The museum is open from 10am to 4 pm on weekdays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They are open.

The New York Times

They are open to you.

Harvard University

"They are open to learning.

The New York Times

They are open to surveillance.

The Guardian

As such they are open ended.

Princeton University

They are open to the public.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I am very happy with Nymphenburg — they are open-minded.

The New York Times

The Americans deny this, insisting they are open-minded.

The New York Times

"The services only add value if they are open-ended".

The New York Times - Tech

But they are opening bigger, jazzier outlets.

The Economist

"Thank God they are opening," he said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are open" to refer to business hours, specify the time frame for clarity (e.g., "They are open from 9 AM to 5 PM").

Common error

Avoid using "they are open" when referring to a singular entity. Ensure the subject is plural or represents a group (e.g., "The store is open", not "They are open" if referring to a single store).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are open" functions primarily as a declarative statement, indicating the state of being accessible, available, or receptive. As Ludwig AI explains, this can refer to physical accessibility (e.g., business hours) or a willingness to consider new ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are open" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is accessible, receptive, or available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, "they are open" serves to inform about the status or disposition of a subject. Whether indicating business hours or a willingness to consider new ideas, this phrase provides a clear and concise way to communicate accessibility or receptiveness. Alternatives such as "they are available" and "they are accessible" can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are available

Focuses on the availability of something, rather than the action of opening.

they are accessible

Highlights the ease with which something can be reached or used.

they are receptive

Emphasizes a willingness to consider new ideas or suggestions.

they are operational

Focuses on the functioning state of something.

they are in service

Indicates that something is ready for use or serving its purpose.

they are functioning

Emphasizes the proper working order of something.

they are amenable

Highlights a willingness to be persuaded or controlled.

they are disposed

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards something.

they are willing

Focuses on the readiness or eagerness to do something.

they are prepared

Emphasizes the state of readiness for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "they are open" in a sentence?

Use "they are open" to indicate that a place or entity is currently accessible or receptive. For example, "The libraries are open until 9 PM tonight" or "The team members are open to new suggestions".

What's a more formal way to say "they are open"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "they are available" or "they are accessible" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is open" instead of "they are open"?

Yes, if you're referring to a singular entity. "It is open" is used for singular subjects, while "they are open" is used for plural subjects or groups. So, if the store is singular use "It is open".

What does it mean when someone says "they are open to" something?

It means that the people or entities in question are receptive to or willing to consider a particular idea, suggestion, or approach. For example, "they are receptive to feedback" means they are willing to listen to and consider feedback.