When learning English, we often face the challenge of knowing the correct form of a word. Have you ever been stuck on how to spell the past tense of “open”? Let’s settle this matter with a simple and clear explanation to help make things easier for you!
The correct form is opened. The word “opened” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “open.” English verbs typically follow the pattern of adding “-ed” to form their past tense and past participle. Adding an extra “n” to make “openned” is a common mistake and is not correct in standard English.
For example, if you say, “I opened the door,” you are using the correct past tense of “open.” Using “openned” in this sentence would be incorrect and might confuse the listener or reader about your meaning.
Understanding the Basic Rule
Most verbs in English form their past tense by adding -ed to the base verb. This rule seems straightforward, right? For example, ask becomes asked, and play becomes played. The verb “open” also follows this rule.
The Confusion Between ‘Opened’ and ‘Openned’
Why do some people write “openned” instead of “opened”? It involves a misunderstanding of English spelling rules. Let me explain why the only correct form is “opened.” Firstly, the confusion might come from verbs that double their last consonant when forming the past tense. For example, stop becomes stopped.
Now, here’s a quick rule of thumb: If the verb has only one syllable, ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant, and is stressed on the last syllable, you double the consonant. Does “open” fit this rule? It doesn’t. “Open” ends with a vowel and a consonant, true, but it has two syllables. Also, the stress is not on the last syllable. So, we do not double the ‘n’.
How to Use ‘Opened’ Correctly
Let’s look at how we use “opened”. It’s used to talk about something that was opened in the past.
- The store opened at nine o’clock.
- I opened my email and found good news.
- She opened her book to the marked page.
These sentences show actions completed in the past using the correct form of “open.”
More Than Just a Past Tense Verb
Did you know that “opened” can also act as an adjective? When something is already open, you can describe it as “opened.” Like this:
- The opened window let the breeze in.
- He looked at the opened parcel curiously.
Why ‘Openned’ Is Incorrect
Simply put, “openned” is a common misspelling. Think about how we don’t say “open” with a strong emphasis on the ‘n’. This double consonant doesn’t make sense according to English spelling rules. It’s always safer to stick to the basics and remember the simple -ed rule.
Helpful Tips to Remember the Correct Spelling
To avoid making the mistake in the future, try this little tip. Remind yourself that “open” has two syllables, and emphasize the first syllable in your mind. It’s not just about adding ‘ed’, it’s about understanding the stress in the word. You can imagine a small red dot on the first syllable: OP-en.
Another minute but helpful trick is to associate the word with an image of a door being opened smoothly – just a single push, no need to push it twice. One push, one ‘n’, and add ‘ed’!
Conclusion
When in doubt, remember the rules and tricks provided here. English may seem tricky at times, but with practice and clear guidelines, it becomes easier. So next time when you’re writing about something that was opened, just add ‘ed’ at the end. Making sense now?
I hope this clears up any confusion! Whenever you think about how to write the past tense of “open,” just think of that single smooth motion to open a door. One n, then add -ed. Simple? Yes, indeed!
Understanding these basics can build your confidence in English. It helps a lot to think about these little details. Did this explanation help you see that English isn’t as complicated as it seems? I bet you’ll remember how to spell “opened” every time now!
