What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
open
Example
Please leave the door open so that the cat can come in. [open: adjective]
Example
The store is open until 9 pm on weekdays. [open: adverb]
Example
I appreciate your open and honest feedback. [open: adjective]
free
Example
The museum offers free admission on Sundays. [free: adjective]
Example
After serving his sentence, he was finally a free man. [free: noun]
Example
I have a free afternoon, let's go for a walk. [free: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Open is more commonly used than free in everyday language. Open is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while free is less common and often used in specific situations such as pricing or scheduling.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between open and free?
Both open and free can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, open may be perceived as more formal when used to describe communication or business practices, while free may be perceived as more informal when used to describe time or resources.