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B1 verb #31 most common 11 min read

opens

Top 31

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips opens in 30 Seconds

Explanation opens in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'opens' is one of the first action words you learn. It is used for very simple, everyday actions. You use it to talk about things you do with your hands, like 'He opens the door' or 'She opens the book.' It is also used to talk about time, especially for shops. For example, 'The shop opens at 9 o'clock.' At this level, you should focus on the 's' at the end of the word. We say 'I open,' but 'He opens.' This is a very important rule for beginners. You will mostly use 'opens' to describe physical things you can see and touch. It is a helpful word for asking for help or describing your daily routine. For example, 'My school opens early.' or 'He opens the window because it is hot.' Learning 'opens' helps you talk about the world around you in a simple and clear way.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'opens' in more varied ways. You still use it for physical actions, but you also begin to use it for technology and events. For example, you might say 'The app opens slowly on my phone' or 'The movie opens with a song.' You are also learning to use it with different subjects and in different tenses, though 'opens' specifically is the present tense. You might use it to describe habits, like 'She always opens the mail in the morning.' At this level, you are becoming more comfortable with the third-person 's' and you are starting to see how 'opens' can be used for things that aren't just doors and boxes. You might hear it in public announcements at a train station or a mall. It's a key word for navigating daily life in an English-speaking environment.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'opens' with more confidence and in more abstract contexts. You understand that 'opens' can mean 'to start' or 'to make possible.' For example, you might say 'This job opens a lot of opportunities for him.' You are also using it in more complex sentence structures, perhaps with adverbs like 'The door opens automatically' or 'He opens the letter nervously.' You can distinguish between the transitive use ('He opens the door') and the intransitive use ('The door opens'). At this level, you are also starting to learn common phrases and idioms that use the word 'open' or 'opens.' You can use the word to describe the beginning of a story, a play, or a business venture. Your understanding of the word is moving beyond the physical into the functional and metaphorical.

At the B2 level, you use 'opens' with nuance and precision. You are aware of its formal and informal uses. You might use it in a business context, such as 'The company opens a new branch in London next month,' or in a more literary way, like 'The poem opens with a metaphor about the sea.' You understand how 'opens' can be used to describe the start of a market or a financial session. You are also comfortable using it in the passive voice or in more advanced grammatical constructions. You can use 'opens' to discuss social or political issues, such as 'The new law opens the way for more equality.' At this level, your vocabulary is rich enough that you can choose 'opens' over other synonyms like 'starts' or 'begins' because you want to imply a specific kind of 'opening' or 'revelation.'

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'opens.' You use it to describe complex processes and subtle shifts in meaning. You might use it in academic writing to describe how a particular theory 'opens up' a new field of study. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use them naturally in conversation. You understand the stylistic impact of using 'opens' in the present tense to create a sense of immediacy in a narrative. You can also use it to describe technical processes in detail, such as how a specific mechanism 'opens' under pressure. Your use of the word is precise, and you can easily switch between its many different meanings—physical, operational, and metaphorical—depending on the context and your intended audience. You are also aware of the word's etymology and how its meaning has evolved over time.

At the C2 level, you use 'opens' with the mastery of a native speaker. You are sensitive to the word's connotations and can use it to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You might use it in a highly metaphorical sense in poetry or advanced prose, where 'opens' signifies a profound revelation or a spiritual awakening. You are comfortable using the word in all its forms and in the most complex grammatical structures. You can discuss the subtle differences between 'opens' and its most obscure synonyms. You might use it to describe the 'opening' of a philosophical argument or the way a complex piece of music 'opens' with a specific motif. At this level, the word 'opens' is just one tool in a very large and sophisticated linguistic toolkit, and you use it with absolute precision, creativity, and ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

opens in 30 Seconds

The word 'opens' is the third-person singular form of 'to open,' used with subjects like he, she, it, or singular nouns to describe making something accessible.
It commonly refers to physical actions like opening a door, as well as business operations like a store starting its daily hours for customers.
Metaphorically, 'opens' can mean starting a conversation, beginning a movie or book, or creating new opportunities for growth and success in life.
Grammatically, it is essential to remember the 's' at the end when the subject is singular, distinguishing it from the plural form 'open'.

The word opens is a versatile verb form, specifically the third-person singular present tense of 'to open.' At its most fundamental level, it describes the action of moving a barrier, lid, or cover so that an internal space becomes accessible or a passage becomes clear. However, its utility in the English language extends far beyond the physical act of unlatching a door. When we say something 'opens,' we are often talking about the commencement of an operation, the start of an event, or the revelation of information that was previously hidden. This word is a cornerstone of daily communication because it bridges the gap between physical reality and abstract concepts of opportunity and beginning.

Physical Action: The most common use involves physical objects. For example, when a person uses a key, the lock disengages and the door opens. This implies a transition from a state of being 'closed' or 'sealed' to a state of being 'accessible.' It applies to containers, windows, books, and even eyes. When the sun rises, a flower opens its petals to the light, showing a natural progression of growth and response to the environment.

The local bakery opens at dawn, filling the street with the scent of fresh bread.

Business and Operations: In a commercial context, 'opens' refers to the time a business begins its daily operations. If a museum opens at 10:00 AM, it means the staff is ready to receive visitors. This usage is vital for scheduling and logistics. It also applies to the 'opening' of a new branch or a new market, signifying the expansion of a company's reach into a new geographic or demographic area.

Metaphorical Opportunities: Metaphorically, 'opens' suggests the creation of possibilities. Education opens doors to better careers. A new scientific discovery opens a window into the mysteries of the universe. In these cases, the word signifies the removal of intellectual or social barriers, allowing a person to progress into a new state of understanding or achievement. It is a word associated with hope, progress, and the unfolding of the future.

Every time she reads a new book, it opens a new world of imagination for her.

Furthermore, 'opens' is used in the context of events and performances. A play opens on Broadway, or a concert opens with a famous song. This indicates the start of a sequence of entertainment. In technology, a file opens when you double-click it, meaning the software processes the data and displays it on the screen. The word is ubiquitous because it perfectly captures the moment of transition from 'off' to 'on,' 'hidden' to 'visible,' and 'static' to 'active.' Whether it is a shopkeeper turning a sign to 'Open' or a heart that opens to love, the word carries a sense of invitation and readiness. It is a welcoming word that implies there is something more to see, do, or experience inside the boundary that has just been crossed.

Using 'opens' correctly requires an understanding of subject-verb agreement. Since 'opens' is the third-person singular form, it must be paired with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or any singular noun like 'the store,' 'the box,' or 'the season.' This section explores the grammatical structures and contexts where 'opens' thrives, providing a roadmap for learners to integrate it naturally into their speech and writing.

The Simple Present for Habitual Actions: We use 'opens' to describe things that happen regularly. 'The library opens at 9 AM every day' describes a consistent schedule. This is the most common grammatical use of the word. It establishes a fact about the world that is true in the present and likely to remain true in the future. It is also used for natural phenomena: 'The flower opens its petals when the sun comes out.'

He opens his mail as soon as he gets home from work.

Transitive vs. Intransitive Use: 'Opens' can be transitive, meaning it takes a direct object: 'She opens the window.' Here, 'she' is the actor and 'the window' is the thing being acted upon. It can also be intransitive, where the subject itself performs the action without an object: 'The door opens slowly.' In the intransitive case, the door is the subject that is moving, often implying a sense of mystery or automatic movement.

Describing Beginnings and Commencements: In journalism and storytelling, 'opens' is used to describe how a narrative or event starts. 'The movie opens with a dramatic car chase' or 'The chapter opens with a description of the setting.' This use of the present tense makes the description feel immediate and vivid, as if the action is happening right now before the reader's eyes.

The exhibition opens with a collection of rare 19th-century photographs.

When using 'opens' in a sentence, consider the atmosphere you want to create. Using it with adverbs like 'cautiously,' 'abruptly,' or 'gracefully' can change the entire tone of the sentence. 'He opens the gift cautiously' suggests a sense of anticipation or perhaps fear, while 'He opens the gift abruptly' suggests excitement or impatience. The word 'opens' is like a blank canvas; the words you put around it provide the color and detail. It is a functional word that serves as the engine of the sentence, driving the action forward and revealing what comes next in the sequence of events.

The word 'opens' is a staple of everyday English, appearing in various environments from the mundane to the professional. You will hear it in retail settings, in the workplace, in social gatherings, and in the media. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the word's different shades of meaning and use it appropriately in your own life.

In the Retail World: If you are standing outside a shop before business hours, you might ask a passerby, 'Do you know when this store opens?' The response might be, 'It usually opens at nine.' In this context, 'opens' is synonymous with 'starts serving customers.' You will also hear it in announcements: 'The pharmacy opens in five minutes.' It is a word that dictates the rhythm of public life and commerce.

The new shopping mall opens its doors to the public this Friday.

In Professional and Academic Settings: In meetings, a chairperson might say, 'This discussion opens the floor for new ideas.' Here, 'opens' means to make a space available for participation. In academia, a professor might note that 'The study opens up new questions about human behavior.' In these environments, the word is used to describe the initiation of intellectual inquiry or the beginning of a formal process.

In Technology and Media: When using a computer, you might complain that 'The browser opens too many tabs at once.' On the news, a reporter might say, 'The stock market opens higher today,' referring to the initial trading prices of the day. In media reviews, you'll hear, 'The film opens with a stunning landscape shot.' In all these cases, 'opens' marks the starting point of a digital or visual experience.

The application opens automatically whenever the computer restarts.

Ultimately, 'opens' is a word of action and revelation. Whether it's the physical act of a door swinging wide or the metaphorical act of a new opportunity presenting itself, the word is used to signal a change in state. It is a word that invites us in, whether 'in' means into a store, into a conversation, or into a new phase of life. Listening for 'opens' in these various contexts will help you grasp its multifaceted nature and use it with confidence in your own daily interactions.

Even though 'opens' is a relatively simple word, learners often encounter pitfalls when using it. These mistakes usually stem from subject-verb agreement, confusion with other forms of the verb, or using it in contexts where a different word would be more appropriate. Identifying these common errors is the first step toward achieving fluency and accuracy in your English usage.

Subject-Verb Agreement Errors: The most frequent mistake is using 'opens' with a plural subject. For example, saying 'The stores opens at 9' is incorrect. Because 'stores' is plural, the verb should be 'open.' Remember: 'He/She/It opens,' but 'I/You/We/They open.' This rule is fundamental but easy to forget in the heat of conversation. Always check if your subject is singular or plural before adding that 's' at the end of the verb.

Incorrect: They opens the box together. (Correct: They open the box together.)

Confusion with 'Is Opening': Learners sometimes use the simple present 'opens' when they should use the present continuous 'is opening.' 'Opens' is for habits or general truths ('The shop opens at 9'). 'Is opening' is for an action happening right now ('Look! He is opening the door'). If you are describing a current, ongoing action, the 'ing' form is usually the better choice. Using 'opens' for a one-time current action can sound stiff or unnatural.

Misusing 'Opens' for 'Starts': While 'opens' can mean 'starts,' it isn't always interchangeable. You can say 'The meeting opens with a prayer,' but you wouldn't say 'The rain opens at 3 PM.' In the case of weather or general activities, 'starts' or 'begins' is more appropriate. 'Opens' usually implies a formal beginning or the removal of a barrier. If there's no 'door' (literal or metaphorical) being moved, 'opens' might not be the right word.

Incorrect: The movie opens to rain. (Better: The movie starts with a rain scene.)

Another subtle mistake is using 'opens' when the adjective 'open' is required. For example, 'The door is opens' is incorrect; it should be 'The door is open.' In this case, 'open' is an adjective describing the state of the door, not a verb describing an action. By paying attention to these nuances—subject-verb agreement, tense, and the distinction between verbs and adjectives—you can avoid the most common errors and speak English more accurately and naturally.

While 'opens' is a very common and useful word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. Choosing the right synonym can make your writing more precise and your speech more sophisticated. Here, we compare 'opens' with some of its closest relatives to help you understand when to use each one.

Opens vs. Unlocks: 'Unlocks' is more specific than 'opens.' To unlock something means to use a key or a code to release a locking mechanism. You can unlock a door without opening it (it stays closed but is no longer locked). 'Opens' refers to the actual movement of the door. Use 'unlocks' when the focus is on the security aspect, and 'opens' when the focus is on the access aspect.

He unlocks the safe and then opens it to reveal the jewels.

Opens vs. Commences: 'Commences' is a formal synonym for 'opens' or 'begins.' You might hear 'The ceremony commences at noon' in a very formal setting. 'Opens' is much more common in daily life. Use 'commences' in legal documents, formal invitations, or academic writing to sound more professional. Use 'opens' for everyday situations like a store starting its day or a person starting a conversation.

Opens vs. Reveals: 'Reveals' is used when the focus is on making something known that was previously a secret. While 'opens' can imply this (e.g., 'He opens his heart'), 'reveals' is more direct. 'The curtain opens' (physical) vs. 'The investigation reveals the truth' (abstract). Use 'reveals' when you want to emphasize the discovery of hidden information or a surprising fact.

The magician reveals the hidden card after the curtain opens.

Other alternatives include 'unfurls' (for flags or sails), 'launches' (for new products or websites), and 'initiates' (for processes or sequences). By expanding your vocabulary beyond 'opens,' you can describe the world with greater nuance and variety. Each of these words carries its own unique 'flavor,' and learning when to use them will significantly improve your expressive power in English. Don't be afraid to experiment with these alternatives to see how they change the meaning and impact of your sentences.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'open' is related to the word 'up' because in ancient times, many doors or lids were lifted upwards to be opened. This connection between 'opening' and 'upward movement' is still buried in the word's history.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈəʊ.pənz/

US /ˈoʊ.pənz/

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

Rhymes With

Happens (near rhyme) Tokens Brokens (archaic) Spokens (rare) Hopens (invented) Wokens (rare) Oakens Slokens

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a soft 'z' sound.
Dropping the 'n' sound and saying 'opes.'
Using a short 'o' sound like in 'hot' instead of the long 'oh' sound.
Adding an extra syllable at the end (e.g., 'open-es').
Failing to pronounce the 'p' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts due to its common usage.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement (the 's').

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily conversation, easy to pronounce.

Listening 2/5

The 's' sound can sometimes be missed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

open door store he she it

Learn Next

opened opening unlocks closes

Advanced

commences unveils initiates reveals

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular Present Tense

He opens (not He open).

Transitive Verbs

She opens the door (takes an object).

Intransitive Verbs

The door opens (no object needed).

Subject-Verb Agreement

The store opens / The stores open.

Present Simple for Schedules

The train opens its doors at the station.

Examples by Level

He opens the door.

Il ouvre la porte.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'open'.

She opens her book.

Elle ouvre son livre.

Subject 'She' requires 'opens'.

The shop opens at 9.

Le magasin ouvre à 9h.

'The shop' is a singular noun.

It opens now.

Ça ouvre maintenant.

Using 'it' for an object or business.

He opens the window.

Il ouvre la fenêtre.

Simple present for a physical action.

The box opens easily.

La boîte s'ouvre facilement.

Intransitive use where the box is the subject.

She opens the gift.

Elle ouvre le cadeau.

Transitive use with 'the gift' as the object.

The flower opens in the sun.

La fleur s'ouvre au soleil.

Describing a natural process in the present tense.

The app opens on my phone.

L'application s'ouvre sur mon téléphone.

Used for digital software.

The movie opens with a song.

Le film commence par une chanson.

Meaning 'starts' in a creative context.

He opens the mail every day.

Il ouvre le courrier chaque jour.

Habitual action in the simple present.

The bank opens at 10 AM.

La banque ouvre à 10h.

Standard business hours usage.

She opens the fridge for milk.

Elle ouvre le frigo pour du lait.

Common household action.

The gate opens for the car.

Le portail s'ouvre pour la voiture.

Describing an automatic process.

The story opens in a dark forest.

L'histoire commence dans une forêt sombre.

Setting the scene in a narrative.

He opens a new tab in the browser.

Il ouvre un nouvel onglet dans le navigateur.

Modern technological context.

This key opens the back door.

Cette clé ouvre la porte arrière.

The subject is the instrument performing the action.

The museum opens its new exhibit today.

Le musée ouvre sa nouvelle exposition aujourd'hui.

Transitive use in a formal context.

He opens the discussion with a question.

Il ouvre la discussion avec une question.

Metaphorical use for starting a conversation.

The path opens into a beautiful meadow.

Le sentier débouche sur une belle prairie.

Describing a transition in landscape.

Education opens many doors for young people.

L'éducation ouvre de nombreuses portes aux jeunes.

Common metaphorical idiom for opportunity.

The restaurant opens for dinner at six.

Le restaurant ouvre pour le dîner à six heures.

Specifying the purpose of the opening.

She opens her heart to her best friend.

Elle ouvre son cœur à sa meilleure amie.

Idiomatic use for sharing feelings.

The file opens automatically when you click.

Le fichier s'ouvre automatiquement quand vous cliquez.

Adverb 'automatically' modifies the verb.

The play opens on Broadway next week.

La pièce commence à Broadway la semaine prochaine.

Using simple present for a scheduled future event.

This discovery opens a new field of research.

Cette découverte ouvre un nouveau champ de recherche.

Academic context for starting something new.

The stock market opens higher this morning.

La bourse ouvre en hausse ce matin.

Financial terminology for daily trading.

The government opens the border for refugees.

Le gouvernement ouvre la frontière pour les réfugiés.

Political context for changing a policy.

The chapter opens with a quote from Plato.

Le chapitre commence par une citation de Platon.

Literary analysis of a text's structure.

The company opens a branch in Tokyo.

L'entreprise ouvre une succursale à Tokyo.

Business expansion context.

The judge opens the trial with a statement.

Le juge ouvre le procès par une déclaration.

Legal context for starting a formal process.

The sky opens up and it starts to pour.

Le ciel se déchaîne et il commence à pleuvoir à verse.

Phrasal verb 'opens up' used for weather.

The author opens the narrative with an enigma.

L'auteur commence le récit par une énigme.

Sophisticated literary description.

This policy opens the way for further reform.

Cette politique ouvre la voie à une nouvelle réforme.

Metaphorical use in a policy discussion.

The mechanism opens only under high pressure.

Le mécanisme ne s'ouvre que sous haute pression.

Technical/scientific description.

The symphony opens with a haunting violin solo.

La symphonie commence par un solo de violon obsédant.

Describing the structure of a musical work.

Her research opens up a dialogue on ethics.

Ses recherches ouvrent un dialogue sur l'éthique.

Academic use for initiating a discussion.

The treaty opens a new era of cooperation.

Le traité ouvre une nouvelle ère de coopération.

Diplomatic context for historical change.

The software opens the door to creative coding.

Le logiciel ouvre la porte au codage créatif.

Metaphorical use in a technological context.

The landscape opens out as you reach the summit.

Le paysage s'étend à mesure que vous atteignez le sommet.

Phrasal verb 'opens out' for expanding views.

The protagonist's journey opens a window into the human soul.

Le voyage du protagoniste ouvre une fenêtre sur l'âme humaine.

Highly metaphorical and literary usage.

The exposition opens a debate on the nature of reality.

L'exposé ouvre un débat sur la nature de la réalité.

Advanced philosophical context.

The aperture opens to allow light onto the film.

L'ouverture s'ouvre pour laisser passer la lumière sur le film.

Precise technical/scientific terminology.

The text opens with a subtle allusion to Milton.

Le texte commence par une allusion subtile à Milton.

Literary criticism involving intertextuality.

This breakthrough opens the floodgates for innovation.

Cette percée ouvre la voie à l'innovation.

Idiomatic expression for a sudden surge.

The ritual opens with a solemn invocation of the ancestors.

Le rituel commence par une invocation solennelle des ancêtres.

Describing a complex cultural or religious event.

The economy opens itself to global competition.

L'économie s'ouvre à la concurrence mondiale.

Reflexive use in a macroeconomic context.

The poem opens a space for contemplation and silence.

Le poème ouvre un espace de contemplation et de silence.

Abstract use in artistic criticism.

Common Collocations

opens the door

opens at [time]

opens a file

opens a discussion

opens a window

opens a branch

opens the way

opens his heart

opens with a [thing]

opens wide

Common Phrases

opens up

— To become more communicative or to reveal more information.

He finally opens up about his past.

opens doors

— To create opportunities for someone's future success.

A good education opens doors.

opens the floor

— To allow others to start speaking or asking questions.

The speaker opens the floor for Q&A.

opens a can of worms

— To start a process that causes a lot of unexpected problems.

Asking that question opens a can of worms.

opens the eyes of

— To make someone realize the truth about a situation.

The movie opens the eyes of the public.

opens a new chapter

— To begin a new and different period in one's life.

Marriage opens a new chapter for them.

opens the gate

— To allow something to start happening freely.

The law opens the gate for investment.

opens out

— To become wider or to provide a more extensive view.

The road opens out into a valley.

opens for business

— To be ready to serve customers or start operations.

The new cafe opens for business today.

opens the mail

— A common daily task of checking letters or packages.

She opens the mail every afternoon.

Often Confused With

opens vs open

Used for plural subjects (They open) or as an adjective (The door is open).

opens vs opened

The past tense form (He opened the door yesterday).

opens vs opening

The continuous form (He is opening) or a noun (There is an opening).

Idioms & Expressions

"opens a vein"

— To write or speak with extreme emotional honesty and vulnerability.

The poet opens a vein in her latest collection.

Literary

"opens the floodgates"

— To release a large amount of something that was previously controlled.

The court's decision opens the floodgates for similar lawsuits.

Neutral

"opens the kimono"

— To reveal inner workings or secret information, usually in business.

The CEO opens the kimono regarding the company's finances.

Business Slang

"opens the vault"

— To make a large amount of money or resources available.

The billionaire opens the vault for the charity.

Informal

"opens a window of opportunity"

— To create a brief period during which something can be achieved.

The new trade deal opens a window of opportunity.

Neutral

"opens the throttle"

— To increase speed or effort significantly.

The driver opens the throttle on the straightaway.

Informal

"opens the batting"

— To be the first person to deal with a situation (from cricket).

The manager opens the batting in the negotiation.

British Informal

"opens a dialogue"

— To start a formal conversation between two groups.

The summit opens a dialogue between the nations.

Formal

"opens the books"

— To allow an official examination of financial records.

The charity opens its books to the public.

Business

"opens fire"

— To start shooting a weapon or to start criticizing someone harshly.

The journalist opens fire with tough questions.

Neutral

Easily Confused

opens vs unlocks

Both involve getting into something.

Unlocks refers to the key/security; opens refers to the movement/access.

He unlocks the car and then opens the door.

opens vs starts

Both mean beginning something.

Starts is general; opens is often for businesses, events, or physical things.

The movie starts at 8, but the theater opens at 7.

opens vs reveals

Both mean making something visible.

Reveals is for secrets or hidden info; opens is for physical barriers.

He opens the envelope and reveals the letter.

opens vs unfolds

Both involve spreading out.

Unfolds is for paper or cloth; opens is for doors or lids.

He opens the map and it unfolds across the table.

opens vs launches

Both mean starting a new thing.

Launches is for products or rockets; opens is for stores or doors.

The company launches the product when the store opens.

Sentence Patterns

He opens the [object].

He opens the box.

The [place] opens at [time].

The shop opens at 9.

The [app/file] opens [adverb].

The app opens quickly.

This [tool] opens the [object].

This key opens the door.

[Subject] opens up about [topic].

He opens up about his life.

The [event] opens with [action].

The play opens with a dance.

The [policy] opens the way for [result].

The law opens the way for change.

The [text] opens a space for [abstract concept].

The poem opens a space for thought.

Word Family

Nouns

opener

opening

openness

Verbs

open

opens

opened

opening

Adjectives

open

opened

opening

open-ended

reopen

overopen

half-open

wide-open

eye-opener

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

The shops opens at 9. → The shops open at 9.
Since 'shops' is plural, you do not add an 's' to the verb.
He open the door. → He opens the door.
Since 'he' is singular, you must add an 's' to the verb in the present tense.
The door is opens. → The door is open.
Use the adjective 'open' after 'is,' not the verb form 'opens.'
He opens the meeting by a song. → He opens the meeting with a song.
Use the preposition 'with' to describe the thing used to start the event.
The rain opens at 3 PM. → The rain starts at 3 PM.
'Opens' is not usually used for weather starting, unless you use 'opens up' for a downpour.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always match 'opens' with he, she, it, or a singular noun. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Phrasal Verbs

Learn 'opens up.' It means to talk about your feelings or for the weather to become rainy.

The Soft 'Z'

The 's' at the end of 'opens' sounds like a 'z.' Practice saying 'open-z' to sound more like a native speaker.

Vivid Verbs

Instead of always saying 'starts,' use 'opens' for businesses or events to be more specific.

Business Hours

When talking about when a shop starts its day, 'opens' is the most natural word to use.

Opportunities

Use 'opens doors' to talk about how skills or education help someone succeed in the future.

Digital Action

Remember that apps, files, and tabs 'open' just like physical doors do.

Context Clues

If you hear 'opens' followed by a time, you know the speaker is talking about a schedule.

Asking Questions

When asking for information, 'What time does it open?' is a very common and useful phrase.

Narrative Openings

Notice how authors use 'opens' to describe the very first scene of a book or movie.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'O' in 'opens' as a round door. When you add the 'S,' it's like a 'Snake' sliding through the door that he 'opens.'

Visual Association

Imagine a giant golden key that 'opens' a massive treasure chest. The 'S' at the end looks like the curve of the key's handle.

Word Web

Door Key Start Store Window Book Opportunity Begin

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your morning routine using the word 'opens' at least twice. For example: 'My alarm opens my eyes, and then the baker opens his shop.'

Word Origin

The word 'opens' comes from the Old English 'openian,' which means to make open or to reveal. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*upano,' which is related to the word 'up.' The idea was that to open something was to move it 'up' or 'out' from its closed position.

Original meaning: To move a cover or barrier to the 'up' position, thereby revealing what is underneath.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'opens up' in a medical context, as it can refer to surgical procedures.

The 'Grand Opening' is a classic American business tradition involving a red ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The movie 'Saving Private Ryan' opens with a famous scene on Omaha Beach. The phrase 'Open Sesame' from Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The song 'Start Me Up' by the Rolling Stones (though it doesn't use 'opens,' it captures the same energy).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Store

When does it open?
It opens in ten minutes.
The store opens early.
It opens for the holiday.

Using a Computer

The file opens in a new window.
The app opens slowly.
It opens the browser.
The link opens a website.

Reading a Book

The book opens with a mystery.
The chapter opens on page ten.
She opens the book to read.
It opens with a dedication.

Daily Routine

He opens the curtains.
She opens the mail.
The garage door opens.
He opens a bottle of water.

In a Meeting

The boss opens the meeting.
He opens the floor for questions.
The presentation opens with a joke.
It opens a new discussion.

Conversation Starters

"Do you know what time the local library opens on Saturdays?"

"How does your favorite movie usually opens its first scene?"

"Do you think technology opens more doors than it closes for people?"

"When a new restaurant opens in town, do you like to try it right away?"

"How do you feel when someone opens a conversation with a compliment?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when a new opportunity opens for you and how you felt about it.

Write about a business that opens in your neighborhood and how it changes the area.

Think about a book that opens in a very interesting way. Why did it grab your attention?

Reflect on how education opens your mind to new ideas and different cultures.

Describe the physical sensation when someone opens a window on a very cold day.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is 'The store opens' because 'the store' is a singular subject. You need the 's' for the third-person singular in the present tense.

Yes, 'opens' is commonly used for the start of formal events like meetings, conferences, or exhibitions.

'Opens' is for habits or schedules (The shop opens at 9). 'Is opening' is for an action happening right now (He is opening the gift).

Yes, in the phrasal verb 'opens up,' as in 'The sky opens up and it starts to rain.'

No, it can be intransitive. You can say 'The door opens,' where the door is the subject and there is no object.

You can say 'Education opens doors' or 'This opens a new world for her,' meaning it creates opportunities.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from very informal to very formal.

'Commences' or 'launches' are good synonyms depending on the specific situation.

Yes, you can say 'The program opens the file' or 'The file opens in a new tab.'

'Wide' is an adverb here describing how much something is opened, common with mouths or doors.