Open can describe an unclosed object or a place available for people to use.

The idea

Use open after be: the shop is open. It can also come before a noun: an open book. A place that is not open is closed.

Examples

  • The window is open.
  • The shop is open today.
  • Please leave the door open.
  • Is the library open on Sunday?
  • I see an open book on the table.
  • The shop was closed yesterday but is open now.

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Watch out

Open can be an adjective describing a state or a verb describing an action: the door is open; open the door.

Try it yourself

  1. The window is not closed. Choose the adjective. The window is not shut; it is ___. (open / closed)

    Show answer or example answer

    open

    Open describes the state of the window.

  2. The shop is serving customers. Choose the adjective. The shop is serving customers; it is ___. (open / closed)

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    open

    Open indicates the shop is available to customers.

  3. The shop is not open. Choose the adjective. The shop is not open today; it is ___. (closed / open)

    Show answer or example answer

    closed

    Closed describes the opposite state in this context.

Use it today

Ask whether a place is open and describe an open object.