broke out

USAGE SUMMARY

"broke out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something abrupt, loud, and/or sudden occurs. For example, "A loud cheer broke out amongst the crowd when the winner was announced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Chaos broke out early.

The New York Times

Price wars broke out.

The New York Times

broke out in the stands.

The New York Times - Sports

Cholera broke out in 2010.

The New Yorker

Riots broke out soon after.

The Economist

Investors broke out the Champagne.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Jared Cook breaks out!

The New York Times

Peace breaks out.

The New York Times - Books

Bayern breaks out.

The New York Times

Had war broken out?

The Economist

Suddenly, a commotion breaks out.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broke out" to describe the sudden commencement of negative events like wars, fires, or diseases. For positive events, consider alternatives like "erupted" or "sparked" if they fit the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "broke out" to describe planned or expected events. The phrase implies a sudden and often unexpected occurrence. Instead, use verbs like "began", "commenced", or "started" for scheduled activities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "broke out" is that of a phrasal verb, specifically the simple past tense of the verb "break out". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes the sudden start of an event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broke out" functions as a phrasal verb denoting the sudden commencement of an event, typically something undesirable like a conflict or disease. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usability. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for a variety of situations. While alternatives exist, such as "erupted" or "sparked", "broke out" carries a specific connotation of suddenness and surprise. Ludwig's analysis underscores its established role in describing unexpected occurrences, making it a versatile and commonly used phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erupted

Focuses on the sudden and forceful beginning of something, similar to a volcanic eruption.

commenced suddenly

Emphasizes the abrupt start of an event or situation.

flared up

Implies a sudden and intense burst of activity or conflict.

exploded

Suggests a sudden and violent release or outbreak.

sparked

Highlights the triggering event or cause that initiated the outbreak.

triggered

Like 'sparked', this emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship leading to the outbreak.

began abruptly

Simple, direct way to describe the sudden onset of something.

arose

Suggests a gradual emergence into visibility or prominence.

unleashed

Indicates the release of something previously restrained or held back.

burst forth

Conveys a sense of forceful emergence, like a fountain or geyser.

FAQs

How can I use "broke out" in a sentence?

The phrase "broke out" is typically used to describe the sudden and often unexpected start of something undesirable, like a war, fire, or disease. For example, "A fire "broke out" in the building last night" or "World War II "broke out" in 1939".

What can I say instead of "broke out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "erupted", "commenced suddenly", or "sparked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "broke out" formal or informal?

"Broke out" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it appears more frequently in news reports and general narratives than in highly academic or scientific writing.

What is the difference between "broke out" and "started" when describing a conflict?

"Broke out" implies a more sudden and unexpected beginning, while "started" is a more general term that can also describe a planned or gradual beginning. For example, "The fight "broke out" after a heated argument" suggests a spontaneous event, whereas "The war started after months of tension" indicates a more protracted process.