What is the past tense of "open"?

The past simple of "open" is "opened". Can you open the door for me?

What is the past participle of "open"?

The past participle of "open" is "opened". Use it after have/has/had: "I have opened".

What is a common mistake with "open"?

Wrong: "He open the window yesterday.". Correct: "He opened the window yesterday.". Past tense needs -ed ending for regular verbs with past time markers.

Conjugation of "Open" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage

Q: Is "open" regular or irregular?

"Open" is a regular English verb. Both past simple and past participle are formed by adding -ed.

Q: How do you pronounce "open"?

/ˈoʊpən/ — Two syllables: OH-pun. Stress on first syllable. Regular verb so 'opened' adds one syllable.

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All 12 Tenses of "Open"

Quick reference table — every tense form of "open" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.

Tense	Example (I)	Quick rule
Simple Present	`I open`	Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule →
Simple Past	`I openned`	Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule →
Simple Future	`I will open`	Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule →
Present Continuous	`I am openning`	Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule →
Past Continuous	`I was openning`	Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule →
Future Continuous	`I will be openning`	Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect	`I have openned`	Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule →
Past Perfect	`I had openned`	Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule →
Future Perfect	`I will have openned`	Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule →
Present Perfect Continuous	`I have been openning`	Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule →
Past Perfect Continuous	`I had been openning`	Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule →
Future Perfect Continuous	`I will have been openning`	Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule →

Past Tense of "Open" — Opened

The past simple of "open" is "opened" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.

She opened the window to get fresh air. A1

Past Participle of "Open" — Opened

The past participle of "open" is "opened" — the same form as the past simple, since "open" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have opened") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was opened").

She opened the window to get fresh air. A1

Is "Open" Regular or Irregular?

"Open" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "opened". The 3rd-person singular present is "opens" and the gerund/present participle is "opening".

Conjugation pattern: regular: open-opened-opened

How to Pronounce "Open" and Its Forms

Open: /ˈoʊpən/ — Stress pattern: Oo

Two syllables: OH-pun. Stress on first syllable. Regular verb so 'opened' adds one syllable.

Syllable breakdown: o · pen

How to Use "Open" — Common Grammar Patterns

Can be transitive (open the door) or intransitive (the shop opens at 9am).

S + V + noun
S + V + to + noun
V + noun + for + noun

Example Sentences with "Open" in Different Tenses

Simple Present: Can you open the door for me? A1
Simple Past: She opened the window to get fresh air. A1

Common Collocations with "Open"

open a door — Can you open the door for me?
open a window — Please open the window; it is too warm.
open a business — They opened a coffee shop last year.
open a file — I opened the document on my computer.
open your eyes — Open your eyes and look at me.

When to Use "Open" vs Similar Verbs

"open" vs "close"

Open means to make not closed; close means to make shut.

Smart synonyms — when to use each one

unlock — when a key or mechanism is needed
uncover — for removing a cover or lid

Antonyms: close, shut, lock

Common Mistakes with "Open"

Wrong: She opened the door now.
Correct: She is opening the door now. / She opens the door (habit).
Use present continuous for current action happening now.
Wrong: He opened up the shop every morning.
Correct: He opens (up) the shop every morning.
Use simple present for regular habits/routines.
Wrong: They open the windows yesterday.
Correct: They opened the windows yesterday.
Use past tense with past time reference.

Origin and Etymology of "Open"

From Old English 'openian' meaning 'to uncover or disclose'.

Other Forms of "Open"

Noun: opening

Conjugation Tables for "Open"

Negative Forms

Simple present: I do not open · He does not open
Simple past: I did not open · She did not open
Present perfect: I have not opened · He has not opened

Question Forms

Simple present: Do you open? · Does he open?
Simple past: Did you open?
Present perfect: Have you opened?

Passive Voice (where applicable)

Simple present passive: It is opened
Simple past passive: It was opened
Present perfect passive: It has been opened

Frequently Asked Questions About "Open"

Is "open" regular or irregular?: "open" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "openned".
What is the past tense of "open"?: The simple past of "open" is "openned".
When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "open"?: Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I open every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am openning right now."
What's a common mistake with "open"?: Use present continuous for current action happening now. Wrong: "She opened the door now." Correct: "She is opening the door now. / She opens the door (habit)."