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Meaning & use

open to

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈəʊpən tuː/
US/ˈoʊpən tuː/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    willing to consider ideas, suggestions, or changes from other people

    Grammar: Followed by a noun or an -ing form: open to ideas, open to trying again.

    Patterns

    • open to something
    • open to doing something
    • open to the idea of something

    The manager said she was open to any suggestions for improving the schedule.

    We are open to changing the date if that works better for everyone.

    He is open to the idea of moving abroad for a year.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    likely to be affected by something, especially something unpleasant such as criticism or attack

    Grammar: Often used with negative nouns: open to criticism, open to abuse, open to doubt.

    Patterns

    • open to criticism
    • open to attack
    • open to doubt

    The decision is open to criticism because no one was consulted.

    Their old computer system is open to attack from hackers.

    The claim is open to doubt until we see the evidence.

  3. phrasefixed phrase

    available for anyone to enter, join, or take part in

    Grammar: Common with events and competitions: open to the public, open to all students.

    Patterns

    • open to the public
    • open to everyone
    • open to students

    The exhibition is open to the public from Monday to Friday.

    The competition is open to anyone over sixteen.

    The course is open to students from all departments.

Common combinations

open to suggestions
The team leader is always open to suggestions from new members.
open to criticism
Any plan this big will be open to criticism.
open to the public
The gardens are open to the public in summer.
open to change
Older employees are often less open to change.
open to negotiation
The price is open to negotiation if you buy two.

Synonyms and how they differ

receptive
Receptive means ready and eager to take in ideas; it sounds more formal and is used before a noun or with 'to'.
willing
Willing simply means ready to do something; it focuses on action, while 'open to' focuses on considering an idea.
amenable
Amenable is formal and means easily persuaded; 'open to' is neutral and much more common in speech.

Opposites

closed toopposed to

Commonly confused: open to or opened to?

open to vs opened to

'Opened to' is the past tense of the verb 'open to' meaning to make something available, as in 'The library was opened to the public'. The phrase 'open to' describes a state, not an action.

Practice

The director is open ___ new ideas from the staff.

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