Openned vs Opened: Master the Right Spelling Once and For All

Have you ever caught yourself writing “openned” instead of “opened” and wondered if that’s a mistake? You’re not alone! English is full of spelling tricks that can confuse even the most experienced writers, and this one is a classic.

It’s a small mistake, but it’s one that can affect how your writing is perceived. So, why is “opened” the right choice, and what makes “openned” incorrect? In this post, we’re going to break it all down for you in a clear, easy-to-understand way.

English spelling can be tricky, especially when it comes to irregular verbs and their conjugations. But don’t worry! Once you understand the rules behind words like “opened” and “openned,” you’ll never have to second-guess your writing again. 

Let’s dive deep into the specifics, from the basic definition of both words to their usage in various contexts.

What’s the Correct Spelling: Opened vs. Openned?

When we’re talking about “opened” vs. “openned,” there’s only one correct answer: “opened.” But why is that? To understand, let’s break it down and explore both terms in detail.

Definition of “Opened”

• Opened: This is the past tense and past participle form of the verb “open.” It’s used to describe an action that has been completed in the past. So, when we say “opened,” we’re referring to the completed action of something being made accessible, exposed, or unveiled.
  • Example: “I opened the door to let the fresh air in.” Here, “opened” tells us that the action of opening the door has already happened.

The verb “open” is regular, meaning its past tense is formed by adding “-ed” to the base form, just like “look” becomes “looked” and “play” becomes “played.” This follows the standard rule for regular verbs in English.

What About ‘Openned’?

• Openned: While it might seem like a logical extension of the word “open,” “openned” is not a recognized or correct form in standard English. It may seem like a reasonable mistake because of how the English language often forms past tense verbs (such as “stop” becoming “stopped”), but “openned” doesn’t exist in any dictionary.

So, what’s going on here? English has irregular verbs, and “open” is one of them. Unlike verbs that double their consonants when adding “-ed” (like “hop” becoming “hopped”), “open” does not follow this pattern. The correct past tense is simply “opened.”

The Common Mistake: Why ‘Openned’ is Incorrect

Many people use “openned” because it feels like the right choice, especially when you compare it to other verbs in English that follow the consonant-doubling rule. But why is this a mistake, and why should you avoid using it?

The Linguistic Explanation

One of the reasons for the confusion between “opened” and “openned” is that English often uses consonant doubling in its regular verbs. For instance, when we take a verb like “stop” and add “-ed” to form the past tense, we double the final consonant to form “stopped.” The rule is simple: if the verb ends with a single consonant and the vowel before it is short, we double the final consonant.

So, when people encounter “open,” they may assume that the verb should follow the same pattern as “stop” and therefore add an extra “n” to make it “openned.” However, this assumption is wrong. The verb “open” doesn’t follow the consonant-doubling rule because it doesn’t end with a single consonant preceded by a short vowel.

Phonetic Confusion

The idea of doubling the consonant might also come from how the word “open” sounds. If you say “open” quickly, you might think that the “n” sound at the end is emphasized in such a way that it feels like it needs an extra “n” to make it grammatically correct. This, however, is just a case of phonetic confusion.

When spoken quickly, words sometimes blend or distort slightly, which can lead people to mistakenly think that “open” should have an extra consonant. This phenomenon isn’t unusual in languages and often happens in both spoken and written forms.

When to Use ‘Opened’ in Everyday Situations

“Opened” is used in a variety of everyday situations. It’s one of those words that’s straightforward once you know the rules, but here’s a deeper look at how “opened” is used in different contexts.

1. Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is the most common and straightforward use of “opened.” It’s used to describe an action that occurred and was completed at a specific time in the past.

• Example: “She opened the window to let in the fresh air.” In this sentence, “opened” tells us the action happened in the past, and it’s finished.

2. Past Participle

In sentences where we use a form of the verb “to be,” the past participle of “open” becomes “opened.”

• Example: “The door has been opened.” In this case, “opened” is paired with “has been” to form the past participle.

This is essential when using present perfect tense (which refers to actions that have happened at an unspecified time before now) or passive voice constructions.

3. Negative Sentences

Negative statements also require “opened.”

• Example: “The box wasn’t opened until yesterday.” Here, “opened” is used in a negative construction to indicate that the action of opening did not happen until a specific point in the past.

4. Asking Questions

You’ll also use “opened” when forming questions.

• Example: “Has the package been opened yet?” The verb “opened” is used to describe a potential action of opening in the past, and the auxiliary verb “has” forms the question.

How ‘Opened’ Fits into Business and Technology Contexts

When you’re communicating in business or technology, getting your spelling right isn’t just important—it’s essential for professionalism. Here’s how to use “opened” in these fields.

1. Email Communication

In professional emails, “opened” is used to describe when an email or attachment has been accessed.

• Example: “The email has been opened, but there was no response.”
• Here, “opened” refers to the action of accessing the email, and using the correct form helps maintain a clear and professional tone.

2. Software & Applications

In the tech industry, whether you’re writing about software development or user experience, you’ll often refer to when a file or program is opened by a user or system.

• Example: “The application was opened without any errors.”
• In this case, “opened” indicates that the application has been successfully launched or accessed.

3. Business Reports

In business, reports and presentations require the correct use of “opened” to describe access or initiation of actions.

• Example: “The sales report was opened by the manager during the meeting.”
• Using “opened” here reflects that the action occurred in the past and is completed.

4. Customer Support

In customer service or technical support, describing the actions taken with a product often involves using “opened.”

• Example: “A support ticket was opened for your issue.”
• This describes that a ticket or case has been initiated, using the past tense appropriately.

Exploring the Role of ‘Opened’ in Literature and Art

The word “opened” takes on a whole new meaning in the world of literature and art. It’s often used symbolically or metaphorically to convey deep meanings. Here’s how:

1. Symbolic Use in Literature

In literary works, “opened” often represents a change or shift. Whether it’s the opening of a door, a mind, or a world of possibilities, the verb plays a key role in illustrating transformation.

• Example: “The door opened to a new world.” Here, the word “opened” is used symbolically to convey the idea of entering a new phase or experience.

2. Poetic Use

Poets often use “opened” to create vivid imagery or to express emotional shifts. In poetry, the simplicity of the word can add layers of meaning.

• Example: “The sky opened up, and rain poured down.” This use of “opened” adds a dramatic effect to the scene.

3. Art Descriptions

In art criticism, “opened” might describe the unveiling or reveal of an artwork, exhibition, or gallery.

• Example: “The gallery doors opened to reveal the artist’s latest collection.” This usage draws on the idea of a physical opening to introduce a creative work to the public.

The Correct Usage in Sports and Events

In the world of sports and events, precision in language is crucial. Here’s how “opened” is used in these fields.

1. Sports Commentary

Sports commentators use “opened” when describing the start of a game, a play, or a match.

• Example: “The match opened with an incredible goal.”
• “Opened” here describes the beginning of the match, setting the tone for the rest of the event.

2. Event Descriptions

In event planning or event descriptions, “opened” is used to talk about the start of an event.

• Example: “The event opened with a speech from the CEO.”
• In this case, “opened” indicates the moment when the event began and the first activity or presentation took place.

Real-World Scenarios: How to Avoid ‘Openned’ in Your Writing

To make sure you avoid the error of “openned”, here are some strategies to polish your writing:

1. Proofreading Tips

Always read your work aloud to catch mistakes. This simple technique helps you detect errors that might slip through unnoticed when reading silently.

2. Spell Check Tools

Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell checker to automatically spot and correct errors. These tools are incredibly useful, especially when writing longer pieces.

3. Commonly Confused Words

Make sure you know other commonly confused verbs and how to use them correctly. Understanding spelling rules can help you avoid these small but impactful mistakes.

Conclusion

The bottom line is clear: “opened” is the correct form, and “openned” is a mistake. By following these simple rules and understanding why this error occurs, you can ensure that your writing remains polished and professional. Whether you’re crafting emails, writing reports, or simply communicating with others, accurate spelling reflects your attention to detail and enhances your credibility.

FAQs

Q1: Can ‘openned’ ever be used in casual speech?

• While it may occasionally appear in casual conversation, it’s important to avoid “openned” in formal or written communication.

Q2: What other common spelling mistakes should I be aware of?

• Common mistakes include “there” vs. “their,” “accept” vs. “except,” and “lose” vs. “loose.”

Q3: How do I remember to use ‘opened’ correctly?

• Practice by using “opened” in everyday sentences, and read your work aloud to ensure the correct form is always used.

Q4: Does this mistake affect my credibility in writing?

• Yes, frequent spelling mistakes can affect your credibility, especially in professional settings. Always proofread!

Q5: Are there online tools to help with spelling mistakes?

• Yes! Tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor can help spot these common mistakes and improve your writing.