an explosion of applause

USAGE SUMMARY

"an explosion of applause" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sudden and enthusiastic response of clapping, often after a performance or speech. For example: "After the final note of the symphony, there was an explosion of applause from the audience." Alternative expressions include "a surge of applause" and "a burst of applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There was a brief silence and then an explosion of applause from the audience.

The Times

One scene elicited an explosion of applause, even from listeners who were initially inclined to be skeptical.

The New Yorker

He repeats this until he has tangle of noodles held in the air to an explosion of applause.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"George W. Bush will never seek a permission slip to defend the American people," he said, drawing an explosion of applause as he mocked Mr. Kerry's call for alliance building.

The New York Times

In a Nablus courtroom, there was an explosion of applause today when a prosecutor for the Palestinian Authority demanded that Mr. Hafnawi, 43, be sentenced to death as a collaborator with Israel.

The New York Times

An explosion of applause followed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I can still hear the explosion of applause.

The New York Times

9.17pm: Another explosion of applause as Mr Obama identifies Mrs Obama, in the audience.

The Guardian

It didn't occur to me then, but it occurred to me later when I heard the explosion of applause that I was living out their private dream.

The Guardian - Music

The tension in the crowd was broken with a burst of applause after the $5 million mark, and a louder explosion at $6 million.

The New York Times

The result is an explosion of titles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for moments of genuine intensity; overusing such strong metaphors can diminish their impact in your writing.

Common error

Do not confuse this metaphorical 'explosion' with physical danger or literal blasts. Ensure the context clearly establishes that the 'explosion' is purely auditory and social to avoid jarring transitions in tone.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a metaphorical noun phrase that serves as a vivid object or subject to describe an acoustic event. According to Ludwig, it effectively emphasizes the suddenness and volume of a crowd's reaction, often appearing after a significant action or speech.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Arts & Culture

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "an explosion of applause" is a grammatically correct and highly effective idiom for writers seeking to describe a powerful crowd reaction. As analyzed by Ludwig, it is most frequently utilized in reputable news and media outlets to highlight moments of significant triumph or public approval. While it is less common than the standard "round of applause", its specific metaphorical strength makes it ideal for narratives where intensity and suddenness are key. Use it when you want your readers to 'hear' the roar of the crowd through the page.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a burst of applause

Highly interchangeable but slightly less dramatic in intensity than an explosion

a thunderous ovation

Emphasizes the overwhelming volume and formal nature of the reaction

a storm of applause

Conveys a sense of chaotic, high-intensity sound

rapturous applause

Focuses on the emotional state of the audience rather than just the sound

a surge of applause

Describes a sudden increase in intensity rather than an instantaneous eruption

a torrent of applause

Suggests a heavy, overwhelming flow of clapping

a roar of approval

Includes vocal sounds along with clapping

a wave of applause

Visualizes the physical movement of the sound through a crowd

a round of applause

The standard, most neutral way to describe the event without metaphor

uproarious cheering

Focuses more on the vocal noise and excitement than the clapping specifically

FAQs

How to use "an explosion of applause" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a sudden, loud reaction, such as: "When the final curtain fell, there was "an explosion of applause" from the packed theater."

What can I say instead of "an explosion of applause"?

Depending on the intensity you wish to convey, you could use alternatives like "a burst of applause", "a thunderous ovation" or simply "a round of applause".

Is "an explosion of applause" considered formal English?

It is considered neutral to formal and is widely used in high-quality journalism and literature, though it may be too figurative for strictly technical or scientific reports.

What is the difference between "an explosion of applause" and "a round of applause"?

The main difference is intensity; "a round of applause" is a standard, often polite reaction, whereas "an explosion of applause" implies a sudden, powerful and highly enthusiastic response.