When it comes to writing, every word counts. Choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “opening” and “commencement.” But which one is the right word to use in a given context?
The answer is that both words can be proper, depending on the situation. “Opening” typically refers to the beginning of something, such as an event or a book. On the other hand, “commencement” generally refers to a formal beginning or start, often associated with graduations or other ceremonies.
Throughout this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and how to use them effectively in your writing.
Define Opening
Opening refers to the beginning or start of something, such as an event, a book, a movie, or a speech. It is the initial part that sets the tone and introduces the audience to what is to come. An opening can be an introduction, a prologue, or a preface that provides context and background information. It can also be a performance, a display, or a demonstration that captures the attention of the audience and creates anticipation for what is to follow.
Define Commencement
Commencement is a formal term that refers to the beginning or start of a significant event, such as a graduation ceremony or a new job. It is often used in the context of a milestone or a transition from one phase to another. Commencement implies a sense of accomplishment, achievement, and progress. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and looking forward to the future. In some cultures, commencement is also associated with a spiritual or religious significance, such as a new beginning or a rebirth.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to express your thoughts is crucial in effectively communicating your message. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “opening” and “commencement” in a sentence.
How To Use “Opening” In A Sentence
The word “opening” can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb. It refers to the beginning or start of something. Here are some examples of how to use “opening” in a sentence:
- As a noun: The opening of the new store was a huge success.
- As an adjective: The opening act was fantastic.
- As a verb: She is opening a new business next month.
When using “opening” as a noun, it can also refer to a hole or gap that allows access to something. For example:
- The opening in the fence was large enough for the dog to escape.
How To Use “Commencement” In A Sentence
The word “commencement” is a noun that refers to the beginning or start of something significant, such as a graduation ceremony or the start of a new job. Here are some examples of how to use “commencement” in a sentence:
- The commencement ceremony was held in the school auditorium.
- She was excited to start her new job after the commencement of the project.
It is important to note that “commencement” is typically used in formal or academic settings. In casual conversation, it may be more appropriate to use “beginning” or “start” instead.
By understanding the proper usage of “opening” and “commencement,” you can effectively communicate your message and avoid any confusion in your writing.
More Examples Of Opening & Commencement Used In Sentences
In order to understand the difference between opening and commencement, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of using opening in a sentence:
- The opening of the store was delayed due to technical difficulties.
- Her opening statement was powerful and captivated the audience.
- The opening of the new restaurant attracted a lot of attention.
- He struggled with the opening paragraph of his essay.
- The opening scene of the movie set the tone for the rest of the film.
- The opening ceremony of the Olympics was a spectacular display of fireworks.
- She was nervous about the opening night of her play.
- The opening chords of the song immediately caught my attention.
- The opening credits of the movie listed all the actors and crew.
- The opening act was a comedian who had the audience in stitches.
On the other hand, here are some examples of using commencement in a sentence:
- The commencement of the project was delayed due to funding issues.
- His commencement speech was inspiring and left a lasting impression on the graduates.
- The commencement of the trial was postponed until next week.
- The commencement date for the new semester was announced last week.
- The commencement of the concert was delayed due to technical difficulties.
- The commencement of the war marked a turning point in history.
- The commencement of the ceremony was signaled by the ringing of the bell.
- The commencement of the meeting was delayed due to the late arrival of some participants.
- The commencement of the race was signaled by the firing of the starting gun.
- The commencement of the festival was celebrated with a parade through the streets.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words opening and commencement, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used in the same context. Here are some common mistakes people make and why they are incorrect:
Using Opening When Commencement Is Appropriate
One common mistake people make is using the word opening when they should be using commencement. Commencement refers to the beginning of something significant, such as a graduation ceremony or a new job. On the other hand, opening refers to the start of something less significant, such as a store opening or the beginning of a meeting. Using opening when you mean commencement can make your writing appear less professional and may confuse your readers.
Using Commencement When Opening Is Appropriate
Another mistake people make is using commencement when opening is the appropriate word. As mentioned earlier, opening refers to the start of something less significant, while commencement refers to the beginning of something significant. If you use commencement when you mean opening, it may make your writing appear overly formal and out of place.
Using Both Words In The Same Context
Finally, some people make the mistake of using both opening and commencement in the same context, thinking that they are interchangeable. However, this is not the case. Using both words in the same context can make your writing appear redundant and confusing. It is important to choose the appropriate word for the context and stick with it.
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Always double-check the definition of the word before using it in your writing.
- Consider the context in which you are using the word and choose the appropriate one.
- Read your writing aloud to see if it sounds natural and makes sense.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words opening and commencement, the context in which they are used can play a significant role. While both words refer to the beginning of something, they can differ in tone and formality depending on the situation.
Formality
The level of formality required in a particular context can influence the choice between opening and commencement. For example, in a legal or business setting, commencement is often preferred due to its more formal connotation. In contrast, opening may be more appropriate in a casual or informal context, such as a social event or a personal blog post.
Tone
The tone of the situation can also impact the choice between opening and commencement. Opening can imply a sense of welcome or invitation, while commencement can suggest a more serious or formal beginning. For instance, a speech at a graduation ceremony may use commencement to convey the significance of the event, while a welcome speech at a conference may use opening to create a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Examples
| Context | Preferred Word |
|---|---|
| Legal documents | Commencement |
| Business meetings | Commencement |
| Social events | Opening |
| Personal blog posts | Opening |
| Graduation speeches | Commencement |
| Conference welcome speeches | Opening |
As demonstrated by the examples above, the choice between opening and commencement can vary depending on the context in which they are used. By considering the level of formality and tone required, writers can select the most appropriate word to convey their intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of opening and commencement can generally be interchangeable, there are some exceptions where one term may be more appropriate than the other. Here are some cases where the rules for using opening and commencement might not apply:
Legal Documents
In legal documents, the term “commencement” is often used to refer to the start of a legal action or proceeding. For example, a legal complaint might state “The plaintiff hereby commences this action against the defendant.” In this case, the word “opening” would not be appropriate as it does not convey the same legal meaning as “commencement.”
Academic Events
At academic events such as graduation ceremonies or conferences, the term “commencement” is often used to refer to the beginning of the event. For example, a graduation ceremony might be referred to as a “commencement ceremony.” In this case, the word “opening” would not be appropriate as it does not convey the same ceremonial meaning as “commencement.”
Business And Marketing
In the world of business and marketing, the term “opening” is often used to refer to the launch of a new business or product. For example, a store might have a “grand opening” event to celebrate the launch of their new location. In this case, the word “commencement” would not be appropriate as it does not convey the same sense of excitement and celebration as “opening.”
Summary
While the terms “opening” and “commencement” are often used interchangeably, there are some exceptions where one term may be more appropriate than the other. In legal documents, “commencement” is often used to refer to the start of a legal action or proceeding. At academic events, “commencement” is often used to refer to the beginning of the event. In business and marketing, “opening” is often used to refer to the launch of a new business or product.
Practice Exercises
In order to improve your understanding and use of opening and commencement in sentences, it’s important to practice using them in various contexts. Below are some practice exercises to help you do just that. Each exercise comes with an answer key or explanation to help you understand why a particular word choice is correct.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (opening or commencement) to fill in the blank in each sentence.
- The __________ ceremony for the new museum exhibit will be held next Friday.
- I’m really looking forward to the __________ of the new restaurant down the street.
- Her __________ statement at the conference set the tone for the rest of the event.
- The __________ scene of the movie was intense and gripping.
- After the __________ remarks, the graduation ceremony began.
Answer Key:
- commencement
- opening
- opening
- opening
- opening
Explanation:
While both opening and commencement can be used to refer to the beginning of something, commencement is typically used for formal events like graduation ceremonies, while opening can refer to a broader range of beginnings, such as the opening scene of a movie or the opening of a new business.
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences to use the opposite word (opening or commencement) in place of the underlined word.
- The commencement of the concert was delayed due to technical difficulties.
- The opening of the new art exhibit drew a large crowd.
- The opening of the conference was marked by a keynote address from the CEO.
- The commencement of the trial was postponed until next week.
- The opening of the play was met with rave reviews from critics.
Answer Key:
- The opening of the concert was delayed due to technical difficulties.
- The commencement of the new art exhibit drew a large crowd.
- The commencement of the conference was marked by a keynote address from the CEO.
- The opening of the trial was postponed until next week.
- The commencement of the play was met with rave reviews from critics.
Explanation:
By using the opposite word in each sentence, you can see how opening and commencement can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but have different connotations and are more appropriate in certain situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article has explored the differences between the terms “opening” and “commencement” and how they are used in the English language. It is important to note that while these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately depending on the context.
Some key takeaways from the article include:
- Opening refers to the act of beginning or starting something, while commencement refers to a formal beginning or start of an event or ceremony.
- Opening can refer to physical objects such as doors or containers, while commencement is typically used in reference to events or ceremonies.
- Using the correct term can enhance the clarity and precision of one’s language use, which is important in both written and spoken communication.
As readers continue to learn about grammar and language use, it is important to pay attention to the nuances of language and how words are used in different contexts. By doing so, one can become a more effective communicator and convey their ideas more clearly and accurately.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.