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A1 verb #148 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

open

Top 148

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces open en 30 secondes

Explication open in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'open' is primarily used as a simple verb for physical actions. Students learn to use it with everyday objects like doors, windows, books, and bags. The focus is on basic commands and descriptions of daily routines. For example, 'Open the door, please' or 'I open my book.' It is one of the first verbs a learner encounters because it is essential for following instructions in a classroom and for basic survival communication. At this stage, the distinction between 'open' (the action) and 'close' (the opposite action) is the main goal. Learners also begin to understand 'open' as an adjective, as in 'The window is open,' although the focus remains on the verb form. Simple present and past tenses are used most frequently.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'open' to include business and service contexts. They learn to talk about when shops, banks, and restaurants 'open' and 'close'. This involves understanding time expressions and schedules. For example, 'The supermarket opens at 8:00 AM.' Learners also start to use 'open' in the context of digital actions, such as 'open an email' or 'open a file.' The use of the past tense 'opened' becomes more consistent, and learners might begin to encounter simple phrasal verbs like 'open up' in a physical sense, such as 'opening up a box.' The concept of 'opening a bank account' is also introduced as a common life task.

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At the B1 level, the use of 'open' becomes more metaphorical and abstract. Learners start to use the word in the context of opportunities and communication. For example, 'The new job opened many doors for her' or 'He finally opened up about his problems.' The phrasal verb 'open up' is used more frequently to describe emotional honesty. Learners also use 'open' to describe the start of events or discussions, such as 'The chairman opened the meeting with a short speech.' They become more comfortable with different grammatical structures, including the passive voice ('The door was opened by a stranger') and the use of 'open' in more complex tenses like the present perfect ('I have opened the package').

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At the B2 level, 'open' is used with greater nuance and in more formal or specialized contexts. Learners can distinguish between 'open' and its more specific synonyms like 'unfold', 'unseal', or 'launch'. They use 'open' to describe the initiation of complex processes, such as 'opening a debate' or 'opening a legal case.' The word is also used in idiomatic expressions and collocations more naturally. For example, 'keeping an open mind' or 'opening a can of worms.' Learners at this level can use 'open' to describe subtle changes in situation or atmosphere, and they are aware of the register differences between 'open' and more formal alternatives like 'commence'.

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At the C1 level, the learner uses 'open' with a high degree of precision and stylistic flair. They can use the word in literary or highly professional contexts where the choice of 'open' carries specific connotations. For example, 'The author opens the novel with a haunting description of the moors.' They are familiar with rare or specialized uses, such as 'opening a line of credit' or 'opening a vein of inquiry.' The word is used to explore complex themes of accessibility, transparency, and beginning. C1 learners can use 'open' in sophisticated metaphorical ways, such as 'opening the floodgates of criticism' or 'an opening gambit' in a negotiation. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.

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At the C2 level, the word 'open' is a tool for subtle and profound expression. The learner understands the deepest etymological and cultural resonances of the word. They can use it in philosophical discussions about 'open systems' or 'open societies.' They are adept at using 'open' in wordplay, puns, and complex rhetorical structures. The distinction between the physical, metaphorical, and technical uses of 'open' is handled with effortless mastery. A C2 learner might use 'open' to describe the unfolding of a complex historical event or the subtle shifting of a person's perspective over time. The word is no longer just a verb; it is a versatile instrument for conveying the most intricate ideas about beginnings and possibilities.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

open en 30 secondes

Open is a common verb used to describe moving a barrier like a door to allow access or starting an activity like a shop's business day.
It is a regular verb (open, opened) and can be used both with an object (open the box) and without one (the store opens).
Beyond physical objects, it is used for digital files, formal events, and metaphorical opportunities or emotional honesty in conversation.
Common mistakes include using it for electrical devices instead of 'turn on' and confusing the verb form with the adjective form.

The verb open is one of the most fundamental actions in the English language, primarily describing the physical movement of a barrier, such as a door, window, or lid, to allow access or passage. At its simplest level, it is the opposite of 'close' or 'shut'. However, its utility extends far beyond physical objects. We use it to describe the start of a business day, the beginning of an event, or the act of making something accessible to the public. When you open a shop, you are not just physically unlocking the door; you are announcing that you are ready for commerce. In a digital context, we open files, applications, and browser tabs, which mirrors the physical act of revealing content that was previously hidden or stored away. The word carries a sense of invitation and beginning. Whether you are opening a gift, opening your eyes in the morning, or opening a conversation, the core essence remains the same: transitioning from a state of being sealed or restricted to a state of being accessible and active.

Physical Action: To move a physical barrier so that a space is no longer blocked. This applies to doors, gates, windows, and containers like boxes or jars.
Business and Service: To begin a period of operation. For example, 'The bank opens at nine o'clock' refers to the start of their working hours.
Abstract Initiation: To start an event, a discussion, or a process. A speaker might open a conference with a welcoming speech.

Could you please open the window? It is very hot in this room.

In social contexts, 'opening up' can refer to a person becoming more communicative and sharing their feelings. This metaphorical use suggests that the person was previously 'closed' or guarded. Similarly, we talk about 'opening a path' or 'opening doors' to mean creating opportunities for success. The word is incredibly versatile because it bridges the gap between the tangible world of objects and the intangible world of ideas and emotions. When a teacher tells a student to 'open their mind,' they are using the physical concept of an opening to encourage receptivity to new information. This duality makes it an essential word for learners to master early on, as it appears in almost every domain of life, from the kitchen to the boardroom.

The new library will open to the public next Monday morning.

Digital Usage: Accessing a file or program on a computer. 'Open the document to read the instructions.'

He carefully opened the letter from his grandmother.

She opened her heart to him and told him all her secrets.

Anatomical Use: Using muscles to move body parts like eyes or mouth. 'Open your mouth and say ah,' says the doctor.

The flowers open their petals when the sun comes out.

Using the verb open correctly involves understanding its various grammatical patterns. Most commonly, it is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You open something. For example, 'I open the door.' However, it can also be used intransitively, where the subject itself performs the action of opening without an external force being mentioned, such as 'The door opened slowly.' This is often used in storytelling to create a sense of mystery or to focus on the result rather than the agent. When using 'open' in different tenses, remember that it is a regular verb: open, opened, opened. The present participle is 'opening'.

Transitive Pattern: Subject + Open + Object. 'She opened the umbrella as it started to rain.'
Intransitive Pattern: Subject + Open. 'The store opens at 8 AM sharp every day.'

If you open the box, you will find a surprise inside.

We also use 'open' with various adverbs to specify how the action is performed. You can open something 'wide', 'slightly', 'carefully', or 'abruptly'. These modifiers add depth to the sentence. For instance, 'He opened the door wide to let the guests in' suggests a welcoming gesture, whereas 'He opened the door slightly' suggests caution or secrecy. In the context of business, we often say 'open for business' or 'open a new branch'. These phrases indicate expansion and the start of new operations. It is also common to see 'open' used in phrasal verbs, the most frequent being 'open up'. This can mean to physically unlock something or to talk more freely about oneself.

The restaurant opened its doors to the public for the first time last night.

Command Form: 'Open your books to page forty-two,' the teacher instructed the class.

Don't open the oven while the cake is baking!

The curtains opened, and the play began.

Future Intent: 'We are going to open a bank account tomorrow,' they decided.

Please open the file attached to this email.

You will encounter the verb open in a vast array of everyday situations. In a domestic setting, it is used constantly: 'Can you open the fridge?' or 'I'll open the mail.' When you go shopping, you look for signs that say 'Open' (the adjective), but you also hear people talk about when the store 'opens' (the verb). In the workplace, 'opening' is used for starting meetings, opening accounts for clients, or opening new files on a computer. It is a word that permeates both our physical actions and our professional processes. In the news, you might hear about a 'grand opening' of a new stadium or the 'opening ceremony' of the Olympic Games, where the word signifies a major, celebratory start.

In the Kitchen: 'Open the jar of pickles for me, please.' This is a very common request due to tight lids.
At the Doctor: 'Open your mouth wide.' Medical professionals use this to examine the throat or teeth.

The mayor will open the new park this Saturday at noon.

In the world of technology, 'open' is ubiquitous. We 'open' apps on our smartphones dozens of times a day. We 'open' links in new tabs. We 'open' folders to find our photos. This digital usage has become so ingrained that we rarely think about the physical metaphor it represents. In literature and film, 'opening' often refers to the first scene or chapter. A movie might 'open with a chase scene.' In sports, a team might 'open the season' with a home game. In all these cases, the word signals the transition from inactivity to activity, from the unknown to the known. It is a word of discovery and initiation.

I need to open a new tab to search for that information.

At School: 'Open your textbooks to the chapter on history.' Teachers use this daily.

The shop opens early on Saturdays for the morning market.

He opened the car door for his mother.

In Finance: 'I would like to open a savings account with your bank.'

The flowers open up in the morning light.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with open is confusing its use with electrical devices. In many languages, the same word is used to 'open' a door and 'open' a light or a television. In English, however, we use 'turn on' or 'switch on' for electronics. Saying 'open the light' is a common error that sounds unnatural to native speakers. Another mistake involves the distinction between 'open' and 'opened'. 'Open' can be an adjective (The door is open) or a verb (I open the door). 'Opened' is the past tense of the verb (I opened the door). Learners sometimes say 'The door is opened' when they simply mean it is in an open state, which can sound like someone just performed the action rather than describing the current condition.

Electronics Error: Incorrect: 'Open the TV.' Correct: 'Turn on the TV.' Use 'open' only for physical barriers.
Adjective vs. Verb: Incorrect: 'The shop is opened.' Correct: 'The shop is open.' Use 'open' as an adjective for the state.

Wait! Don't turn on the light yet, I'm not ready. (Not 'open the light')

There is also confusion regarding the phrasal verb 'open up'. While 'open' usually refers to a specific object, 'open up' often refers to a more general state of becoming accessible or communicative. For example, 'The clouds opened up' means it started to rain heavily, whereas 'The clouds opened' might just mean the sun came through. Using 'open' when 'unfold' or 'unwrap' is more specific can also be a minor mistake. While you can 'open' a gift, 'unwrap' is more descriptive. Similarly, you 'unfold' a map rather than just 'opening' it, although 'open' is still acceptable. Precision in vocabulary helps in sounding more like a native speaker.

Is the store open now? (Using the adjective correctly)

Subject-Verb Agreement: Incorrect: 'He open the door.' Correct: 'He opens the door.' Remember the 's' for third-person singular.

She opened the window to let in some fresh air. (Correct past tense)

The new museum opens next month. (Correct future use in present tense)

Misusing 'Open' for People: Incorrect: 'I open the person.' Correct: 'I opened up to the person.' (Meaning sharing feelings).

Please open the door for me; my hands are full.

While open is a great all-purpose word, English offers many more specific alternatives depending on what you are opening and how you are doing it. For example, if you are opening a bottle with a cork, you 'uncork' it. If you are opening a letter or a package, you might 'unseal' or 'unwrap' it. These specific verbs provide more detail and make your English sound more sophisticated. In a professional context, instead of saying 'open a meeting', you might say 'commence' or 'inaugurate', especially for formal ceremonies. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation, moving beyond basic A1 level English.

Unwrap vs. Open: 'Unwrap' is used specifically for things covered in paper or plastic, like gifts or candy. 'Open' is more general.
Unlock vs. Open: 'Unlock' refers only to the action of using a key or code. You usually unlock a door before you open it.
Launch vs. Open: 'Launch' is often used for websites, apps, or new products. It implies a more significant or formal start than just 'opening'.

He unsealed the envelope with great anticipation.

Other synonyms include 'reveal', which is used when something hidden is shown, and 'expand', which can be used when something opens up to become larger. In the context of a flower, you might say it 'blooms' or 'blossoms' instead of just 'opens'. For a business, you might 'establish' or 'found' a company, which are more formal than 'opening' one. Even in casual speech, you might 'crack open' a window (meaning to open it just a little bit) or 'pop open' a soda (referring to the sound it makes). These variations add color and texture to your language, allowing you to describe actions with greater precision and flair.

The flowers will bloom in early spring. (A beautiful alternative to 'open')

Unfold vs. Open: Use 'unfold' for things that are folded, like maps, letters, or chairs. It describes the specific physical movement.

The company launched its new website yesterday. (More professional than 'opened')

She unlocked the gate and walked into the garden.

Uncork vs. Open: Specifically for wine bottles. 'He uncorked the bottle of champagne to celebrate.'

The curtains were drawn back to reveal the beautiful view. (A more descriptive way to say 'opened')

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'open' is one of the oldest words in the English language and has changed very little in its spelling and meaning since the time of the Anglo-Saxons.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈəʊ.pən/

US /ˈoʊ.pən/

The stress is on the first syllable: O-pen.

Rime avec

Broken Token Spoken Woken Chosen (near rhyme) Frozen (near rhyme) Oaten Poten

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'e' too clearly in the second syllable. It should be a very soft schwa sound.
Adding a 't' sound at the end, making it sound like 'opent'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'often', which has a similar rhythm but different sounds.
Not closing the 'o' sound enough, making it sound like 'ah-pen'.
Making the 'p' sound too soft; it should be a clear, aspirated 'p'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

The word is very common and usually easy to identify in text.

Écriture 1/5

It follows regular conjugation rules, making it easy to write.

Expression orale 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward for most learners.

Écoute 1/5

It is a clear, distinct word that is easy to hear in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Door Window Book Go Come

Apprends ensuite

Close Shut Unlock Start Begin

Avancé

Inaugurate Commence Unveil Disclose Initiate

Grammaire à connaître

Regular Verb Conjugation

I open, you open, he opens, we opened, they are opening.

Transitive vs. Intransitive

I open the door (transitive). The door opens (intransitive).

Imperative Mood

Open your books to page ten.

Phrasal Verbs

He opened up about his past.

Adjective vs. Verb

The door is open (adjective). Please open the door (verb).

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Exemples par niveau

Please open the door.

S'il vous plaît, ouvrez la porte.

Imperative form used for a request.

I open my book every day.

J'ouvre mon livre chaque jour.

Present simple for a daily habit.

Can you open the window?

Peux-tu ouvrir la fenêtre ?

Using 'can' for a polite request.

She opens her bag to find her keys.

Elle ouvre son sac pour trouver ses clés.

Third-person singular 's' on the verb.

Open your mouth, please.

Ouvrez la bouche, s'il vous plaît.

Simple imperative for an instruction.

He opened the box yesterday.

Il a ouvert la boîte hier.

Past simple tense of a regular verb.

We open the gifts on Christmas morning.

Nous ouvrons les cadeaux le matin de Noël.

Present simple for a recurring event.

Don't open the fridge!

N'ouvre pas le frigo !

Negative imperative form.

The bank opens at nine o'clock.

La banque ouvre à neuf heures.

Present simple for a scheduled time.

I need to open a new email.

Je dois ouvrir un nouvel e-mail.

Infinitive form after 'need to'.

The store opened a new branch in the city.

Le magasin a ouvert une nouvelle succursale en ville.

Past simple describing a business expansion.

She is opening the letter right now.

Elle est en train d'ouvrir la lettre en ce moment.

Present continuous for an action in progress.

They want to open a restaurant together.

Ils veulent ouvrir un restaurant ensemble.

Infinitive used to express a desire.

The museum opens to the public on Saturdays.

Le musée ouvre au public le samedi.

Present simple for a general rule.

Did you open the file I sent you?

As-tu ouvert le fichier que je t'ai envoyé ?

Past simple question using 'did'.

He opened his eyes and saw the sea.

Il a ouvert les yeux et a vu la mer.

Past simple for a physical action.

He finally opened up about his childhood.

Il s'est enfin confié sur son enfance.

Phrasal verb 'open up' meaning to share feelings.

The scholarship opened many doors for her future.

La bourse lui a ouvert de nombreuses portes pour son avenir.

Metaphorical use meaning creating opportunities.

The manager opened the meeting with a welcome speech.

Le manager a ouvert la réunion par un discours de bienvenue.

Using 'open' to mean start a formal event.

We have opened a new account for you.

Nous avons ouvert un nouveau compte pour vous.

Present perfect for a recently completed action.

The clouds opened and it started to pour.

Les nuages se sont déchirés et il s'est mis à pleuvoir à verse.

Idiomatic use for sudden heavy rain.

She opened the discussion by asking a difficult question.

Elle a ouvert la discussion en posant une question difficile.

Using 'open' for initiating a conversation.

The new law will open the way for more investment.

La nouvelle loi ouvrira la voie à davantage d'investissements.

Future tense for a metaphorical path.

I was opening the mail when the phone rang.

J'ouvrais le courrier quand le téléphone a sonné.

Past continuous for an interrupted action.

The government is opening a public inquiry into the matter.

Le gouvernement ouvre une enquête publique sur la question.

Formal use for starting a legal or official process.

Try to keep an open mind when you travel.

Essaie de garder l'esprit ouvert quand tu voyages.

Idiomatic expression 'keep an open mind'.

The discovery opened up a whole new field of research.

La découverte a ouvert un tout nouveau champ de recherche.

Phrasal verb 'open up' meaning to make available.

He opened the batting for his team in the cricket match.

Il a ouvert la batte pour son équipe lors du match de cricket.

Specialized sports terminology.

The curtains opened to reveal a stunning stage set.

Les rideaux se sont ouverts pour révéler un décor de scène époustouflant.

Intransitive use focusing on the movement.

By complaining, she opened a can of worms.

En se plaignant, elle a ouvert une boîte de Pandore.

Idiomatic expression for creating many new problems.

The company is opening its doors to international talent.

L'entreprise ouvre ses portes aux talents internationaux.

Metaphorical use for welcoming people.

The wound had opened up again during the night.

La plaie s'était rouverte pendant la nuit.

Past perfect with phrasal verb 'open up'.

The author opens the first chapter with a vivid description of the setting.

L'auteur ouvre le premier chapitre par une description vivante du décor.

Literary analysis usage.

The witness's testimony opened a vein of doubt in the jury's mind.

Le témoignage du témoin a ouvert une veine de doute dans l'esprit du jury.

Highly metaphorical and sophisticated usage.

The bank refused to open a line of credit for the struggling business.

La banque a refusé d'ouvrir une ligne de crédit à l'entreprise en difficulté.

Technical financial terminology.

The prime minister opened the session with a call for unity.

Le premier ministre a ouvert la séance par un appel à l'unité.

Formal political context.

Her success opened the floodgates for other women in the industry.

Son succès a ouvert les vannes pour d'autres femmes dans l'industrie.

Idiomatic expression for a sudden large flow.

The scientist's theory opened the way for a paradigm shift in physics.

La théorie du scientifique a ouvert la voie à un changement de paradigme en physique.

Academic and scientific context.

The opening gambit in the negotiation was surprisingly aggressive.

Le premier coup dans la négociation a été étonnamment agressif.

Using 'opening' as an adjective in a strategic context.

He opened his heart to the possibility of a new life abroad.

Il a ouvert son cœur à la possibilité d'une nouvelle vie à l'étranger.

Poetic and emotional usage.

The philosopher's work opens a profound inquiry into the nature of existence.

L'œuvre du philosophe ouvre une enquête profonde sur la nature de l'existence.

Philosophical and academic usage.

The sudden revelation opened a rift between the two former allies.

La révélation soudaine a ouvert une brèche entre les deux anciens alliés.

Metaphorical use for a division or conflict.

The poet uses the metaphor of an opening flower to represent spiritual awakening.

Le poète utilise la métaphore d'une fleur qui s'ouvre pour représenter l'éveil spirituel.

Literary and symbolic analysis.

The new trade agreement will open up unprecedented levels of cooperation.

Le nouvel accord commercial ouvrira des niveaux de coopération sans précédent.

High-level diplomatic and economic context.

The discovery of the manuscript opened a window into the daily life of the ancient civilization.

La découverte du manuscrit a ouvert une fenêtre sur la vie quotidienne de la civilisation antique.

Metaphorical use for gaining insight.

The artist's exhibition opened to critical acclaim across the globe.

L'exposition de l'artiste a ouvert ses portes sous les acclamations de la critique dans le monde entier.

Professional arts and media context.

The trial opened a Pandora's box of corruption and deceit.

Le procès a ouvert une boîte de Pandore de corruption et de tromperie.

Classical allusion used in a modern context.

The therapist helped him open the locked doors of his repressed memories.

Le thérapeute l'a aidé à ouvrir les portes verrouillées de ses souvenirs refoulés.

Psychological and metaphorical usage.

Synonymes

unseal unlock unfold begin launch reveal

Antonymes

close shut seal

Collocations courantes

Open a door

Open a window

Open a shop

Open an account

Open a file

Open a meeting

Open your eyes

Open a bottle

Open a discussion

Open a gift

Phrases Courantes

Open for business

— The state of being ready to serve customers. It is used for shops and companies.

The new mall is finally open for business.

Open to the public

— Available for anyone to visit or attend. Used for museums, parks, and events.

The private gardens are open to the public today.

Open a dialogue

— To start a conversation or negotiation between two groups. It implies a desire for cooperation.

The two countries are trying to open a dialogue about trade.

Open fire

— To start shooting a weapon. This is a military or police term.

The soldiers were ordered to open fire on the target.

Open a path

— To create a way for someone or something to move forward. Often used metaphorically.

Her research opened a path for new medical treatments.

Open the way

— To make something possible that was not possible before. Similar to opening a path.

The new bridge will open the way for more tourism.

Open a new chapter

— To start a new and different period in one's life or history. A common metaphor.

Moving to a new city felt like opening a new chapter.

Open an inquiry

— To start an official investigation into a problem or crime. Used in legal contexts.

The police have opened an inquiry into the missing funds.

Open a debate

— To start a formal discussion where different opinions are expressed. Used in politics or school.

The speaker opened the debate on climate change.

Open wide

— To open something, usually the mouth, as much as possible. Often said by doctors.

The dentist told me to open wide.

Souvent confondu avec

open vs Turn on

Learners often say 'open the light' when they should say 'turn on the light'. 'Open' is for physical barriers, not electronics.

open vs Start

While similar, 'open' often implies a physical or structural beginning, while 'start' is more general for any action.

open vs Unlock

You must unlock a door with a key before you can open it. They are two separate actions.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Open a can of worms"

— To start a process that causes many unexpected problems. It suggests that a simple action has complex consequences.

By asking about the budget, he opened a can of worms.

Informal

"Open Pandora's box"

— To do something that causes many unforeseen troubles. Based on Greek mythology.

The new technology might open Pandora's box of ethical issues.

Neutral/Formal

"Keep an open mind"

— To be willing to listen to new ideas and not judge them too quickly. It is a positive trait.

Try to keep an open mind when you meet the new team.

Neutral

"Open your heart"

— To share your deepest feelings or to become more compassionate toward others.

She finally opened her heart to her best friend.

Neutral/Poetic

"Open the floodgates"

— To allow something to happen in a very large and sudden way. Often used for emotions or complaints.

The news opened the floodgates of public anger.

Neutral

"Open-and-shut case"

— A legal case or a problem that is very simple and easy to solve because the facts are clear.

With all the evidence we have, it's an open-and-shut case.

Neutral

"With open arms"

— To welcome someone with great enthusiasm and warmth. It describes a friendly reception.

The community welcomed the refugees with open arms.

Neutral

"An open book"

— A person who is very easy to understand and does not hide their feelings or secrets.

You always know what he's thinking; he's an open book.

Informal

"Open doors"

— To provide opportunities for success or advancement in a career or life.

A good education can open many doors for you.

Neutral

"In the open"

— Not hidden; public. Often used when a secret is finally revealed.

Now that the truth is out in the open, we can move forward.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

open vs Opened

It is the past tense of the verb.

'Open' is the present action or the adjective state. 'Opened' is the action that happened in the past.

I open the door now. I opened the door an hour ago.

open vs Opening

It can be a noun or a verb form.

As a noun, it means a hole or a job vacancy. As a verb form, it describes an action in progress.

There is an opening in the wall. She is opening the box.

open vs Ajar

It is an adjective related to 'open'.

'Open' can mean fully or partially open. 'Ajar' specifically means slightly open.

The door was ajar, so I could hear them talking.

open vs Unfold

It is a specific type of opening.

'Open' is general. 'Unfold' is used for things that are folded, like paper or cloth.

He unfolded the letter carefully.

open vs Expose

It means to make something visible.

'Open' is the action of moving a barrier. 'Expose' is the result of revealing something hidden.

Opening the box exposed the treasure inside.

Structures de phrases

Open the [object].

Open the door.

The [place] opens at [time].

The shop opens at 9 AM.

[Subject] opened up about [topic].

She opened up about her fears.

Opening [something] will [result].

Opening the curtains will let in the light.

The [event] was opened by [person].

The conference was opened by the mayor.

[Abstract concept] opens a window into [topic].

This book opens a window into history.

Can you open the [object]?

Can you open the window?

I opened the [object] yesterday.

I opened the box yesterday.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high; it is in the top 500 most used words in English.

Erreurs courantes

Open the light. → Turn on the light.
In English, 'open' is for physical barriers. For electrical things, we use 'turn on'.
The shop is opened. → The shop is open.
Use the adjective 'open' to describe the state. 'Opened' is the past action.
He open the door. → He opens the door.
Third-person singular subjects need the 's' at the end of the verb in the present simple.
I opened to him. → I opened up to him.
To talk about sharing feelings, you must use the phrasal verb 'open up'.
Open the seatbelt. → Unbuckle the seatbelt.
Specific mechanisms like seatbelts have their own verbs. 'Unbuckle' is more accurate.

Astuces

Third Person S

Don't forget the 's' for he, she, or it. 'The store opens at nine.' This is a common mistake for A1 and A2 learners.

Specific Verbs

Try to use 'unwrap' for gifts and 'unfold' for maps. It makes your English sound more precise and natural to native speakers.

No Electronics

Never use 'open' for the TV, radio, or lights. Always use 'turn on' or 'switch on'. This is one of the most obvious signs of a learner.

Linking Sounds

When you say 'open a', it sounds like 'ope-na'. Practice linking the 'n' to the 'a' for a smoother, more native-like flow.

Metaphors

Use 'open' metaphorically to describe new beginnings. 'Opening a new chapter' is a beautiful way to describe a big life change.

Past Tense D

The 'd' in 'opened' is often very soft. Listen carefully to the context to know if the speaker is talking about the past or the present.

Open Mind

Use 'keep an open mind' in discussions. it shows you are a good listener and a thoughtful person, which is valued in English culture.

Open an Account

This is a standard phrase. You don't 'start' an account or 'make' an account; you 'open' one. Use this at the bank.

Open Up

Use 'open up' when you want to talk about feelings. It's a very common phrasal verb in friendships and close relationships.

Stress

Always stress the first syllable: O-pen. If you stress the second syllable, it will be hard for native speakers to understand you.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the 'O' in 'open' as a round door that is now a hole you can walk through. The 'pen' part is like a pen that you use to start writing a new story.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bright yellow door swinging wide to reveal a beautiful garden full of light. This associates 'open' with access and positivity.

Word Web

Door Window Box Shop File Mind Heart Meeting

Défi

Try to use the word 'open' in five different ways today: for a physical object, a digital file, a business, a conversation, and a body part.

Origine du mot

The word 'open' comes from the Old English word 'open', which is of Germanic origin. It is related to the Dutch 'open' and the German 'offen'. The root is thought to be related to the word 'up', suggesting the action of lifting a lid or uncovering something.

Sens originel : The original meaning was 'not shut' or 'exposed'. It has maintained this core sense for over a thousand years.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be aware that 'opening up' about personal issues can be culturally sensitive; some cultures value privacy more than others.

The phrase 'open a window' is often used metaphorically in literature to mean providing a glimpse into a different world or perspective.

The phrase 'Open Sesame' from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The 'Opening Ceremony' of the Olympic Games. The movie 'Open Water' (2003).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

Open the door.
Open the fridge.
Open the mail.
Open a window.

At Work

Open a file.
Open a meeting.
Open an account.
Open a discussion.

Shopping

When does the shop open?
Open for business.
Open a new branch.
Open the package.

Medical

Open your mouth.
Open your eyes.
The wound opened.
Open a medical file.

Technology

Open the app.
Open a link.
Open a folder.
Open source.

Amorces de conversation

"What time does your favorite coffee shop open in the morning?"

"Have you ever opened a gift that really surprised you?"

"Is it easy for you to open up and talk about your feelings?"

"What is the first thing you open when you start your computer?"

"Would you like to open your own business one day? What kind?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe the feeling of opening a letter from someone you haven't heard from in a long time.

Write about a time when a new opportunity opened up for you and how it changed your life.

Think about the phrase 'keep an open mind.' How do you practice this in your daily life?

Describe the process of opening a business. What are the most important steps to take?

Write about a book or a movie that opens with a scene you will never forget.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. In English, you should say 'turn on the light' or 'switch on the light' for electrical devices. 'Open' is used for physical things like doors and windows.

'Open' is the present tense verb (I open the door) or an adjective (The door is open). 'Opened' is the past tense (I opened the door yesterday). Use 'open' for the current state.

'Open up' can mean to physically unlock something, but it is most often used to mean sharing your feelings or becoming more honest with someone. For example, 'He finally opened up to me.'

Yes, but it's less common. 'The open' can refer to the outdoors (in the open) or a sports tournament (The US Open). Usually, we use 'opening' as the noun form.

Yes, it is a regular verb. You just add '-ed' to make the past tense (opened) and the past participle (opened). The present participle is 'opening'.

It means to start a new relationship with a bank so you can store your money there. It involves filling out forms and giving the bank your information.

Use 'unfold' when the object is folded, like a map, a piece of paper, or a chair. 'Open' is more general and can be used for almost anything.

It means to be willing to listen to new ideas and not judge them before you understand them. It's a very common and positive idiom in English.

Yes, you can 'open a meeting' to mean you are starting it. It is a slightly formal way to say the meeting has begun.

It is a small tool used to remove the metal cap from a bottle. It is a very common noun derived from the verb 'open'.

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