a storm erupted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a storm erupted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense occurrence of a storm, often metaphorically to indicate a sudden escalation of conflict or emotion. Example: "As tensions rose during the meeting, it felt as if a storm erupted, with voices raised and disagreements flying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A storm erupted on Monday after details of the price hike became public.

The Guardian - Business

The cartoons initially had little impact, but when they were reprinted by Norwegian newspapers, a storm erupted.

The Guardian

When the French-language Tribune de Geneve newspublishedlished the interview on Dec. 31, 1996, a storm erupted.

The New York Times

A storm erupted in late 2007 over allegations that some clinics were using the mental health clause for late-term abortions of healthy fetuses.

The New York Times

The cartoons initially had little impact, but when they were reprinted by Norwegian newspapers a storm erupted, with violent protests across the Middle East.

The Guardian

A couple of weeks before the election, a storm erupted over preference deals, where parties that have already achieved the number of votes they need for a Senate seat can arrange to give spare votes to other parties, which usually pledge to give theirs in return.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mission scientist Scott McIntosh, from the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, said: "When a storm erupts from the Sun, what is it going to travel into?

BBC

More than nine years ago, you commissioned cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, and a few months later a global storm erupted.

The New Yorker

The sunlight is slowly disappearing, and murmurs of the oncoming cold are quieted as on the makeshift stage, a storm erupts.

The Guardian

On the way back from Brandenburg An Der Havel to Berlin this month, after interviewing a member of Germany's ascendant rightist party, Alternative for Germany, a violent storm erupted.

The New York Times

A media storm erupted in Britain last month after it emerged that the owner of a fake 'Chagall' who had sent it to the Chagall Committee for authentication was unlikely ever to see it again.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a storm erupted" to vividly describe the sudden onset of chaos, conflict, or intense emotion in your writing to capture the immediacy and force of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a storm erupted" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or precise description of events might be more appropriate. Choose alternatives like "a controversy arose" or "tensions escalated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a storm erupted" functions as a vivid metaphorical expression to describe the sudden and forceful outbreak of conflict, controversy, or intense emotion. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's used to depict situations escalating quickly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a storm erupted" is a metaphor used to describe the sudden and intense outbreak of conflict, controversy, or disruption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While commonly found in news and media contexts, it should be used judiciously in formal writing. Consider using alternatives such as "a controversy flared up" or "tensions escalated" for a more professional tone. The phrase effectively conveys the immediacy and force of a situation spiraling out of control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a controversy flared up

Focuses on the sudden increase in intensity of a dispute or disagreement.

an uproar ensued

Emphasizes the public display of outrage or disturbance that followed a particular event.

chaos broke out

Highlights the sudden onset of complete disorder and confusion.

a furor arose

Similar to 'uproar', but may suggest a slightly more contained or localized burst of anger or excitement.

a commotion started

Indicates the beginning of a noisy disturbance or agitation.

a crisis unfolded

Focuses on the gradual revelation and development of a problematic situation.

a backlash emerged

Specifically refers to a strong negative reaction against something.

a scandal exploded

Emphasizes the abrupt and widespread exposure of scandalous information.

trouble began

A more general term for the commencement of difficulties or problems.

all hell broke loose

An idiomatic expression indicating a situation escalating rapidly into chaos and disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "a storm erupted" in a sentence?

You can use "a storm erupted" to describe a sudden and intense outbreak of conflict, controversy, or any form of disturbance. For example, "A storm erupted after the company announced its new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a storm erupted"?

Some alternatives include "a controversy flared up", "an uproar ensued", or "chaos broke out", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a storm erupted" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a storm erupted" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "a significant dispute arose" or "tensions escalated" for a more professional tone.

What kind of situations is "a storm erupted" best suited for?

"A storm erupted" is best suited for describing moments of sudden, intense, and often chaotic disruption, be it in news events, social media reactions, or interpersonal conflicts.