DISCUSSION

When we say, ‘the door is open’, the word ‘open’ serves as an adjective. It is similar to saying ‘the door is big’ or ‘the door is wide’. So, the words ‘open’, ‘big’ and ‘wide’ are all adjectives.

When we say, ‘the door is opened’— then we are using the verb ‘to open’.

Note that using a verb refers to an action and using an adjective refers to a state. The first situation describes the action of opening the door (verb). The second situation refers to the state of the door which is open (adjective).

Some verbs in English can be used transitively and intransitively. A verb is transitive when it has an object.

• She opened her mouth.

• She opened the door.

‘Open’ can also be used intransitively, which means there is no object.

Do note that ‘opened’ is the past form of the verb open.

Open does not refer to any past event, while opened does. Both refer to the same current state, but opened indicates that there is a ‘doer’. The door was once closed, and someone or something changed it.

• Can you open the window, please? (present)

• She opened her eyes and immediately looked at the clock. (past)

• She opened the windows. (Used as a verb — someone did the work)

I stopped the car when I realised that the door was open.

I stopped the car when I realised that the door was opened.

• Ms Chan left the windows open.

• Ms Chan left the windows opened.