ENGLISH
REFERENCE

opens

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈoʊpənz// UK //ˈəʊpənz// opens

v. to move a door, window, or lid so that people or things can go through. You also use this when a shop or business starts its working day.

v. to move a barrier or cover from a closed position to allow access; to begin business operations for the day. This third-person singular form typically follows a singular subject.


SIMPLE

The shop opens at nine every morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The new gallery opens its doors to the public this weekend with a special exhibition of local art.

COMPLEX

When the curtain finally opens, the audience is greeted by a minimalist set that emphasizes the isolation of the main character.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when it has an object ('opens the door') and intransitive when it describes a state or schedule ('the store opens').

Pitfall

The door opens itselfThe door opensIn English, many verbs like 'open' are ergative; the door can be the subject of the active verb without needing a reflexive pronoun.

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