Opportunities vs Those things are called openings

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Opportunities

Top 2,000 (common)

Those things are called openings

Top 2,000 (common)
 OpportunitiesThose things are called openings
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz//🇺🇸 //ˌɑːpərˈtunɪtiz//🇬🇧 //ˈəʊpənɪŋz//🇺🇸 //ˈoʊpənɪŋz//
Meaningchances to do something or make progressOpenings are spaces or gaps in something.
ExampleShe took advantage of the job opportunities available in the city.Those things are called openings in this wall for windows.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationscreate opportunities, seize opportunities, miss opportunities, explore opportunities, provide opportunitiesjob openings, openings in the wall, theater openings, market openings, opportunities for openings
Antonymsobstacles, disadvantages, limitations, challenges-
Common mistakesConfusing singular ('opportunity') and plural ('opportunities')., Using 'opportunities' when 'chance' would be more appropriate., Mispronouncing the word, especially stressing the wrong syllable.Misunderstanding 'openings' as only physical gaps, ignoring metaphorical contexts., Confusing with 'open' as a verb, rather than a noun., Omitting context when referring to openings in a conversation.
Usage notesUsed in professional and academic contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing jobs or projects.Use 'openings' to refer to gaps or opportunities in a neutral context. Avoid in formal writing where more specific terms may be required.

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Opportunities
Those things are called openings

Frequently asked questions: Opportunities vs Those things are called openings

What's the difference between Opportunities and Those things are called openings?

Opportunities: chances to do something or make progress Those things are called openings: Openings are spaces or gaps in something.

Can you show an example of each?

Opportunities: She took advantage of the job opportunities available in the city. Those things are called openings: Those things are called openings in this wall for windows.

Can I use Opportunities and Those things are called openings interchangeably?

Not always. Opportunities and Those things are called openings are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.