breaks into applause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "breaks into applause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a spontaneous reaction of clapping, often in response to a performance or speech. Example: "After the final act, the audience breaks into applause, showing their appreciation for the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The office breaks into applause and everyone goes out for drinks to celebrate.

The New Yorker

And then they march out not in one line but two, and the audience breaks into applause.

The New York Times

Villa Park still breaks into applause in the 19th minute of every home game – 19 is Petrov's number.

The Guardian - Sport

Ripert breaks into applause, which is immediately joined by everyone... and curtain! curtain call: In the dining room, the chefs all bow to heavy mitts!

The New York Times - Magazine

The class spontaneously breaks into applause.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The crowd broke into applause.

The New York Times

A sober audience broke into applause.

The New York Times

Shareholders in the hall broke into applause.

The Guardian - Business

The room broke into applause.

The New York Times - Magazine

On hearing this news, staffers cheered and broke into applause.

The New Yorker

"We broke into applause," said Senator Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "breaks into applause" to depict a sudden, unified reaction from a group, often following a performance, announcement, or significant event to enhance the narrative's emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "breaks into applause" to describe a single person clapping. This phrase typically describes a group's collective, spontaneous reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "breaks into applause" functions as a verb phrase describing a spontaneous action by a group. According to Ludwig, it indicates a sudden reaction of clapping.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "breaks into applause" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes a spontaneous and collective reaction of clapping. Ludwig AI indicates that it’s commonly used to show approval or appreciation, particularly in journalistic and descriptive writing. While the phrase is relatively rare, its impact lies in vividly portraying the audience's enthusiasm following a noteworthy event, speech, or performance. Alternatives like "erupts in applause" or "bursts into applause" offer similar expressive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erupts in applause

This alternative uses "erupts" which emphasizes a sudden and forceful expression of applause.

bursts into applause

This alternative uses "bursts", highlighting an immediate and energetic commencement of applause.

starts applauding spontaneously

This option explicitly describes the action as spontaneous, emphasizing the unprompted nature of the applause.

begins to clap enthusiastically

This choice highlights the enthusiasm behind the clapping, adding an emotional element.

offers enthusiastic clapping

Focuses on the energetic and positive nature of the applause.

commences to applaud

This alternative is more formal, suggesting a deliberate start of applause.

expresses approval with applause

This choice explicitly frames the applause as an expression of approval.

shows appreciation through clapping

This alternative is more descriptive, detailing the means of expressing appreciation.

gives a round of applause

This is a common idiom for expressing appreciation through clapping.

claps their hands in unison

Highlights the synchronized nature of the applause.

FAQs

How can I use "breaks into applause" in a sentence?

You can use "breaks into applause" to describe a group's spontaneous reaction of clapping, for instance: "After the moving speech, the audience "breaks into applause"".

What can I say instead of "breaks into applause"?

You can use alternatives like "erupts in applause", "bursts into applause", or "starts applauding spontaneously" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "break into applause" or "breaks into applause"?

"Breaks into applause" is correct when describing a group's action, while "break into applause" would be used with a plural subject, like "they break into applause".

What is the difference between "breaks into applause" and "gives a round of applause"?

"Breaks into applause" suggests a more spontaneous and sudden reaction, whereas "gives a round of applause" implies a more deliberate and formal expression of appreciation.