open

The word "open" can be used as an adjective or as a verb:

The door is open. (adjective) Someone opened the door. (verb)

This is a basic word in English; however, there are many different and interesting ways to use it. Look at the examples below:

She wants to open her own business and make a lot of money.
I need to open these letters. Do you have a letter opener?
My boss is a very open person. He tells his employees what’s on his mind. Everyone knows what he thinks.
Joe needs to open a savings account at the bank.
They’re having an open house this weekend. (It’s for sale. When it’s open, you can walk in and look around at the house.
She’s an open-minded person. She’s willing to consider different possibilities.
Every morning Maria opens the newspaper and has a cup of coffee as she reads about the day’s events.
Open your book and turn to page 325. (This is a good example of a command.)
Hunting season opens in November.

To use "open" as a noun, add "ing."

• There’s an opening in the fence where the rabbits are getting through and coming into the yard. (opening = a hole)
• This company has many job openings right now. (opening = an available job)
• Bob saw an opening and took advantage of it. (opening = an opportunity)

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This page was first published on September 24, 2012. It was updated on April 24, 2016.