blurted out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blurted out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an abrupt, often emotionally-charged statement that is said without any forethought. For example: "The angry customer blurted out a few choice words and then stormed out of the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He blurted out, "Refinance.

The New York Times

I blurted out: "That's funny.

The Guardian - Tech

I blurted out, "I wish I had a paintbrush".

The New York Times

Later, she blurted out, "I don't fit in anywhere.

The New Yorker

— I blurted out my own ballpark theme music.

The New York Times

Instead, he blurted out, "I have an agenda".

The New York Times

He paused, and then blurted out, "The thing is power.

The New Yorker

"Not phi!" one of the jocks blurted out in disbelief.

The New York Times

In response, Mr. Bunning blurted out an expletive.

The New York Times

Dorsey blurted out that he was planning his exit strategy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Panicking, Boulton blurted out: "Jeremy Corbyn and Tony Baldry".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blurted out" to vividly portray a character's spontaneous and unfiltered reaction in dialogue.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "blurted out" to indicate speech. Vary your descriptions with other verbs like 'whispered', 'declared', or 'muttered' to create a more nuanced portrayal of your characters and their manner of speaking.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blurted out" is a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of speaking suddenly and impulsively, as seen in Ludwig's examples like, "He "blurted out", 'I have an agenda'."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blurted out" is a phrasal verb used to describe speaking suddenly and impulsively. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media. While commonly used, consider diversifying your verb choices to avoid repetition. The phrase conveys a sense of spontaneity and lack of forethought and is best used when you want to emphasize the impulsive nature of the speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

said impulsively

Focuses on the impulsive nature of the utterance.

exclaimed suddenly

Emphasizes the suddenness of the exclamation.

let slip

Suggests the information was unintentionally revealed.

uttered abruptly

Highlights the abrupt manner of speaking.

blurped out

A less common, potentially humorous alternative.

spoke out

Implies a speaking up, possibly after hesitation.

came out with

Focuses on the act of producing the words.

divulged quickly

Highlights the fast and uncontrolled release of information.

let out

Simple phrasal verb indicating the release of words.

expressed hastily

Emphasizes the hurried nature of the expression.

FAQs

How to use "blurted out" in a sentence?

"Blurted out" is typically used to describe someone saying something suddenly and impulsively. For example, "He "blurted out" the secret before he could stop himself."

What can I say instead of "blurted out"?

You can use alternatives like "exclaimed suddenly", "said impulsively", or "let slip" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "blurted out" or "blurted"?

"Blurted" is the simple past tense of the verb 'to blurt'. "Blurted out" is a phrasal verb that emphasizes the sudden, often uncontrolled nature of the utterance.

What's the difference between "blurted out" and "said"?

"Blurted out" implies a sudden, impulsive, and often unplanned utterance. "Said" is a neutral verb for speaking, lacking the connotation of impulsivity. For example: "She said hello" vs "She "blurted out" the answer without thinking".