broken into dance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken into dance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone suddenly starting to dance, often in a spontaneous or joyful manner. Example: "As the music played, she couldn't help but be broken into dance, her feet moving to the rhythm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They have broken into dance at the steps of the New York Public Library and even held recreations of historical battles in the a pond at Prospect Park.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The drumbeats were relentless, and those in the vicinity were quick to break into dance.

The Guardian - Sport

The hosts discuss issues of interest to Latinos before breaking into dance routines.

The New York Times

— VICTOR MATHER The stewards who stand in rows to divide athletes into sections periodically break into dance.

The New York Times

When the drink goes to one's head, he may suddenly break into dance, followed by others.

The Guardian

"We need to break into dance, said Williams, "it's the pump, pump, pump of our beating hearts".

The Guardian

After all, people in the show are still breaking into dance and song, not typical behavior for anyone.

The New York Times

In Mr. Westfall's latest work, this jostling has increased almost to the point of breaking into dance.

The New York Times - Arts

They then break into dance steps to accompany their original be-bop song and entertain for the crosstown trip.

The New York Times

Entrance: $2. On Calle Sucre, head uphill to the Plaza San Francisco, dominated by a church and convent, where musicians gather and locals spontaneously break into dance.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Paul's supporters also broke into dance occasionally, swaying to a recording of "Ron Paul, Ron Paul" that was warbled by a Frank Sinatra impersonator to the tune of "New York, New York".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "broken into dance" to vividly describe a spontaneous and often joyful commencement of dancing, adding a touch of energy and surprise to your narrative.

Common error

While "broken into dance" is acceptable, be mindful of the context. In highly formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "began to dance" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken into dance" functions as a verb phrase describing a sudden, spontaneous action. Ludwig indicates it's a correct and usable phrase, often implying a joyful or unrestrained commencement of dancing, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broken into dance" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a spontaneous commencement of dancing. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in News & Media contexts. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys a sense of suddenness and joy. Consider alternatives like "burst into dance" for similar impact, but be mindful of maintaining an appropriate tone for highly formal writing. Ludwig's analysis underscores its value in vividly portraying impromptu moments of dance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst into dance

Emphasizes a sudden and energetic commencement of dancing.

suddenly started dancing

A straightforward description of a dance commencing unexpectedly.

launched into a dance

Suggests an enthusiastic and perhaps theatrical start to dancing.

erupted into dance

Implies a forceful and unrestrained outbreak of dancing.

spontaneously danced

Highlights the unplanned and impulsive nature of the dancing.

began to dance unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of someone starting to dance.

started dancing on a whim

Emphasizes the impulsive and whimsical nature of beginning to dance.

abandoned themselves to dance

Implies a complete surrender to the joy and freedom of dancing.

found themselves dancing

Suggests a slightly involuntary or subconscious entry into a state of dance.

yielded to the rhythm

Highlights the influence of music or rhythm in causing someone to dance.

FAQs

What does "broken into dance" mean?

The phrase "broken into dance" describes the act of suddenly and spontaneously beginning to dance, often due to feeling joyful or being moved by music.

What can I say instead of "broken into dance"?

You can use alternatives like "burst into dance", "suddenly started dancing", or "launched into a dance" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "broken into dance"?

Yes, "broken into dance" is grammatically correct and widely used in both spoken and written English.

What's the difference between "broken into dance" and "break into dance"?

"Broken into dance" describes a past event, while "break into dance" refers to a future or hypothetical action. For instance, "She broken into dance when she heard the music" versus "They might break into dance if they feel the rhythm".