Open vs Opened: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to using the words “open” and “opened,” it’s important to understand the proper context and meaning of each. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences that can greatly impact the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

It’s important to note that both “open” and “opened” are proper words in the English language. However, they are used in different ways and have different meanings.

When we say something is “open,” it means that it is not closed or obstructed in any way. For example, a door that is not shut all the way is considered “open.” Similarly, a store that is currently in business is considered “open.”

On the other hand, “opened” is the past tense of the verb “open.” This means that it is used to describe something that was previously closed or obstructed but has now been made accessible. For example, a jar that was previously sealed but has now been unsealed is considered “opened.” Similarly, a store that was closed but has now started business for the day is considered “opened.”

Understanding the distinction between these two words is crucial for effective communication in both written and spoken language. In the rest of this article, we will explore some common mistakes and misunderstandings surrounding the use of “open” and “opened,” and provide tips for using them correctly.

Define Open

Open is an adjective that describes something that is not closed or sealed. It can also refer to a space or area that is not enclosed or covered. In the context of technology, open can refer to software or systems that are accessible and available for modification or customization by users.

Some examples of how the word open is used include:

• The door to the room was left open.
• The store is open from 9am to 5pm.
• The software is open source and can be modified by developers.

Define Opened

Opened is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “open”. It refers to the action of making something that was closed or sealed accessible or available for use. It can also refer to the action of unfolding or unrolling something.

Some examples of how the word opened is used include:

• I opened the door to let the cat in.
• The package had been opened before it arrived.
• She opened the umbrella to shield herself from the rain.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words “open” and “opened” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between the two. While they may seem interchangeable at first glance, using the wrong word can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Open” In A Sentence

The word “open” is typically used as an adjective or a verb to describe something that is not closed or covered. Here are some examples of how to use “open” in a sentence:

• The door is open.
• Please leave the window open.
• I have an open mind about the topic.

In the first two examples, “open” is used as an adjective to describe the state of the door or window. In the third example, “open” is used figuratively to describe someone’s willingness to consider different ideas or perspectives.

How To Use “Opened” In A Sentence

The word “opened” is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “open.” It is used to describe an action that has already happened. Here are some examples of how to use “opened” in a sentence:

• She opened the door.
• He opened the package carefully.
• After the meeting ended, the floor was opened for questions.

In the first two examples, “opened” is used as the past tense of the verb “open” to describe an action that has already taken place. In the third example, “opened” is used figuratively to describe the act of starting a discussion or debate.

More Examples Of Open & Opened Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how to use the words “open” and “opened” in sentences. These examples will help you to better understand the differences between the two words and how to use them correctly in your writing.

Examples Of Using “Open” In A Sentence

• The store is open from 9am to 5pm.
• She left the door open for the cat to come in.
• The book is open to page 42.
• He has an open mind about trying new foods.
• The restaurant has an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook.
• The park is open to the public all year round.
• She received an open invitation to attend the conference.
• The window is open and a breeze is coming in.
• He has an open wound that needs medical attention.
• The company has an open position for a marketing manager.

As you can see from these examples, the word “open” is used to describe a variety of situations, such as store hours, a physical object, a person’s mindset, and more.

Examples Of Using “Opened” In A Sentence

• She opened the door and walked inside.
• He opened the gift and was surprised by what was inside.
• The flowers have opened and are now in full bloom.
• They opened the meeting with a prayer.
• The museum recently opened a new exhibit.
• She opened her eyes and saw the sunrise.
• The restaurant opened its doors for the first time yesterday.
• He opened his laptop and started working on his project.
• The team opened the season with a win.
• The box was opened and found to be empty.

The word “opened” is used to describe an action that has taken place, such as opening a door, gift, or box, as well as the opening of an event or exhibit. It is important to use the correct tense of the word “open” depending on the context of your sentence.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “open” and “opened,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Open” As A Past Tense Verb

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “open” as a past tense verb. For example, “I open the door” instead of “I opened the door.” This mistake is incorrect because “open” is the present tense of the verb, while “opened” is the past tense.

To avoid making this mistake, always use “opened” as the past tense of “open.” For example, “I opened the door” or “I have opened the door.”

Using “Opened” As An Adjective

Another common mistake is using “opened” as an adjective to describe something that is currently open. For example, “The door is opened” instead of “The door is open.” This mistake is incorrect because “opened” is the past participle form of the verb, while “open” is the adjective form.

To avoid making this mistake, always use “open” as the adjective to describe something that is currently open. For example, “The door is open” or “The window is open.”

Confusing “Open” And “Opened” In Phrasal Verbs

Finally, people often confuse “open” and “opened” in phrasal verbs. For example, “I need to open up the store” instead of “I need to open the store.” This mistake is incorrect because “open up” is a phrasal verb that means to make something more accessible or available, while “open” means to remove a barrier or obstruction.

To avoid making this mistake, always use the correct phrasal verb with the appropriate meaning. For example, use “open up” when you want to make something more accessible or available, and use “open” when you want to remove a barrier or obstruction.

Context Matters

Choosing between open and opened can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words have similar meanings, they can be used in different ways depending on the situation.

Examples Of Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between open and opened might change:

1. Doors and Windows

When referring to doors and windows, the word open is commonly used. For example:

• The window is open, letting in a cool breeze.
• Can you please open the door for me?

However, if you are talking about a door or window that was previously closed, you would use the word opened:

• I opened the window to let in some fresh air.
• She opened the door and walked inside.

2. Containers

When referring to containers, the word open is also commonly used. For example:

• The lid is open, so you can see what’s inside.
• Can you please open the jar for me?

However, if you are talking about a container that was previously closed, you would use the word opened:

• I opened the can of soup for dinner.
• She opened the box to reveal its contents.

3. Actions

When referring to actions, the choice between open and opened can depend on the tense of the sentence. For example:

• I will open the door for you. (future tense)
• She opened the door and walked inside. (past tense)

However, if you are referring to an ongoing action, you would use the word open:

• The door is open, so you can come in.
• He always leaves the window open at night.

As you can see, the choice between open and opened can depend on the context in which they are used. By understanding the different contexts and how the words can be used, you can ensure that you are using the correct word in your writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “open” for present tense and “opened” for past tense, there are a few exceptions where this rule may not apply.

Exception 1: Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the past participle form of a verb is used with a form of the auxiliary verb “to be.” In this case, “opened” may be used in present tense.

Example: The door was opened by John.

Exception 2: Adjectives

As an adjective, “open” is used to describe a state or condition, while “opened” is used to describe an action that has already taken place.

Example: The open door allowed for fresh air to circulate. The opened door revealed a surprise party inside.

Exception 3: Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “open” and “opened” are used in a non-literal sense.

Expression	Meaning
Open to interpretation	Subject to different interpretations or opinions
Open for business	Ready to conduct business
Open book	A person or thing that is easy to understand or know

It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not the norm and should be used sparingly. In most cases, it is best to follow the general rule of using “open” for present tense and “opened” for past tense.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of open and opened in sentences requires practice. Here are some practice exercises that can help:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Form

In each of the following sentences, choose the correct form of open or opened:

1. I ______ the door to let the cat out.	a) open	b) opened
2. She ______ the gift and smiled.	a) open	b) opened
3. The store ______ at 9 am every day.	a) open	b) opened
4. He ______ his eyes and saw the beautiful sunset.	a) open	b) opened
5. The flowers ______ in the morning sun.	a) open	b) opened

Answer Key:

1. b) opened
2. a) open
3. a) open
4. b) opened
5. a) open

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of open or opened:

1. She ______ the window to let in some fresh air.
2. He ______ the book and began to read.
3. The museum ______ at 10 am and closes at 5 pm.
4. They ______ their hearts and shared their deepest secrets.
5. The box was ______ and found to be empty.

Answer Key:

1. opened
2. opened
3. opens
4. opened
5. open

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of open and opened in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances between “open” and “opened,” it is clear that the two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• “Open” is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is not closed or obstructed.
• “Opened” is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “open,” indicating that something was closed or obstructed and then made accessible.
• Using “open” instead of “opened” in certain contexts can lead to confusion or ambiguity.

It is important for writers and speakers to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate their ideas. By continuing to learn and improve their language skills, readers can enhance their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.