things are opening up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are opening up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where opportunities, activities, or access are becoming more available or less restricted, often in a social or economic context. Example: "After months of lockdown, things are opening up, and we can finally enjoy dining out again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Things are opening up at a local level, too.

The Economist

"It's too early to say things are opening up," says Dell spokesman John Thompson.

Forbes

"Things are changing in Iran, things are opening up," Ward told us with much enthusiasm.

Huffington Post

Given Koch Industries' size (and its namesakes' political clout ), this could be a sign that things are opening up for the 70 million adults in our country who have felony records.

Vice

"I guess it might have to do with... .. Bingo, now things are opening up.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The only way you find that out is the primary process, where so many things are opened up and revealed.

The New York Times

"Things were opening up and people were hopeful that anything was possible".

The New York Times

"Ah," he said, as if things were opening up in a comfortable way.

The New Yorker

"I was a student in the 2000s, when things were opening up in terms of what might inspire you, what kind of pieces you might write and what you might want to write about," she says.

The Guardian - Music

Although in the 1960s it seemed things were opening up for black actors, most film parts were for supporting roles like butlers and batmen, or at best African dictators.

The Guardian

"Rab and Magnus had left, so I thought things were opening up for me.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are opening up" to describe situations where previously limited access or opportunities are becoming more available, such as in economic or social contexts. For instance, "After the recession, things are opening up for small businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "things are opening up" to describe personal feelings or experiences, as it typically refers to broader societal or environmental changes. Instead of saying "Things are opening up within me," consider phrases like "I'm becoming more open" or "I'm experiencing personal growth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are opening up" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where opportunities, access, or activities are becoming more available or less restricted. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis and examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are opening up" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that opportunities or access are becoming more readily available. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable news sources, highlighting its prevalence in describing improving situations. While versatile, it's best suited for broad societal or environmental changes rather than personal feelings. Consider alternatives like "opportunities are emerging" or "restrictions are easing" for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doors are opening

Highlights new opportunities or entries becoming available.

restrictions are easing

Emphasizes the reduction of limitations, implying a previously constrained environment.

opportunities are emerging

Focuses on the creation of new possibilities rather than a general easing of restrictions.

access is expanding

Specifically highlights the increase in accessibility to resources or places.

the situation is improving

Indicates a general betterment of circumstances, broader than just opportunities.

the tide is turning

Suggests a significant shift in circumstances, often implying a reversal of fortune.

prospects are brightening

Focuses on future potential and optimism.

the outlook is positive

Emphasizes a favorable future perspective.

the climate is changing

Suggests a shift in attitudes or conditions, often in a more abstract or metaphorical sense.

progress is being made

Indicates advancement and forward momentum.

FAQs

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

You can use "things are opening up" to describe situations where opportunities or activities are becoming more available. For example, "With the new policies in place, "things are opening up" for small businesses".

What's a good alternative to "things are opening up"?

Alternatives include "opportunities are emerging", "restrictions are easing", or "access is expanding", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "things are opened up" instead of "things are opening up"?

While "things are opened up" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, it usually implies a more deliberate action of someone or something opening things. "Things are opening up" suggests a more general and organic process of becoming more available.

What does it mean when someone says "things are opening up"?

It generally means that opportunities, access, or activities that were previously limited are now becoming more available or less restricted. This can apply to various areas, such as the economy, social life, or even personal development.