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Meaning & use

open for

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈəʊpən fɔː/
US/ˈoʊpən fɔːr/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Ready to serve customers or admit visitors at a particular time or on a particular occasion.

    Grammar: Followed by a noun or time expression: 'open for business', 'open for lunch'. It describes a state, not an action.

    Patterns

    • open for business
    • open for lunch
    • open for the season

    The cafe is open for breakfast from seven o'clock.

    The gallery is open for visitors every day except Monday.

    The pool is open for the summer.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    Willing to consider or accept something, such as ideas, offers, or applications.

    Grammar: Usually 'open for + noun' or 'open to + noun'; 'open for' often suggests something is being accepted, like entries or applications.

    Patterns

    • open for applications
    • open for entries
    • open for suggestions

    The competition is now open for entries.

    The position is open for applications until Friday.

    We are always open for new ideas from staff.

  3. phrasefixed phrase

    Used to say that a shop, office, or event has begun operating again after being closed.

    Grammar: Common in announcements: 'We're open for the day'. The opposite is 'closed for' a period.

    Patterns

    • open for the day
    • open for the season
    • open for business again

    After the repairs, the library is open for the day again.

    The ski resort is open for the season.

    The market is open for business as usual.

Common combinations

open for business
The new bakery is open for business on the high street.
open for applications
The scholarship is open for applications from all students.
open for lunch
The restaurant is open for lunch between noon and three.
open for entries
The photography contest is open for entries until June.
open for the season
The beach cafe is open for the season from April.

Synonyms and how they differ

open to
'Open to' means willing to accept people or ideas ('open to suggestions'); 'open for' usually names what is being accepted or the period of service.
available for
This stresses that something can be used or booked, while 'open for' stresses that the place or offer is now accepting people.

Opposites

closed for

Word family

open adjective
Not closed; allowing entry or access.
opening noun
A hole or gap, or a ceremony marking a new start.

Commonly confused: open for or open to?

open for vs open to

Use 'open to' for willingness ('open to new ideas') and 'open for' for what is being accepted or the service period ('open for entries', 'open for lunch').

Practice

The competition _____ entries until the end of May.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “open for”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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