Confusing words explained
“open” vs “opening” — What’s the Difference?
Opening is the noun (a physical space or an event's start); open is verb/adjective (action or state).
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: open vs opening
Opening is the noun (a physical space or an event's start); open is verb/adjective (action or state).
open vs opening Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of open
Not shut or closed; accessible to passage or entry.
Not covered or closed; you can go in or see inside.
Use 'open' for state of being; 'opened' for past action. Say 'the window is open', not 'the window is opened'.
- The door was open when I arrived.
- They keep the shop open until nine every evening.
Meaning of opening
A gap or hole that allows passage or access; or the act of beginning something.
A space where something is open; or the beginning of an event.
Use 'opening' as a noun for opportunities (job opening) or event beginnings (opening ceremony). Don't confuse with 'open' (verb/adjective).
- There is a small opening in the fence.
- The opening of the museum will be celebrated with a special ceremony.
How to Remember the Difference
Open = the verb or adjective; opening = the noun (gap, beginning, or job vacancy).
Common Mistakes with open and opening
Mistake with open
Wrong: The bank is opened at 9am.
Correct: The bank is open at 9am.
Use adjective 'open' for state; use 'opens' for regular action.
Mistake with open
Wrong: Please to open the window.
Correct: Please open the window.
No 'to' after 'please'; use imperative form directly.
Mistake with opening
Wrong: The opening are beautiful in the garden.
Correct: The openings are beautiful in the garden.
Plural noun needs plural verb 'are', not singular 'is'.
Mistake with opening
Wrong: What is the opening of the store?
Correct: What is the opening time of the store?
For business hours, use 'opening time' or 'opening hours', not just 'opening'.
Practice Quiz: open or opening?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
The door was _____ when I arrived.
Question 2
They keep the shop _____ until nine every evening.
Question 3
The field remained _____ to all visitors during the summer months.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About open vs opening
What’s the difference between “open” and “opening”?
Opening is the noun (a physical space or an event's start); open is verb/adjective (action or state).
When should I use “open”?
Use 'open' for state of being; 'opened' for past action. Say 'the window is open', not 'the window is opened'.
When should I use “opening”?
Use 'opening' as a noun for opportunities (job opening) or event beginnings (opening ceremony). Don't confuse with 'open' (verb/adjective).
How can I remember open vs opening?
Open = the verb or adjective; opening = the noun (gap, beginning, or job vacancy).
Is it “open” or “opening” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.