bulge up

USAGE SUMMARY

"bulge up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe when something is expanding or protruding outward, often in a curved or rounded shape. Example: The balloon began to bulge up as it filled with air.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

From a central pipelike intrusion reaching deep into Earth's crust, magma has been injected between layers of sedimentary rock, causing the overlying beds to bulge up in domes about one mile across.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We assumed that with a probability of 0.7, a confined cell will send its new daughter cell straight up and with a probability of 0.3, the new daughter displaces a neighbor cell, causing the displaced neighbor cell and all cells above it to "bulge" up.

eLife

Put a napkin in your hands Put the food into your mouth Spit into the napkin when no one is looking When you pet comes, give it to him/her In the toilet method, don't make the food bulge up your mouth.

WikiHow

That big bulge up above?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As it bulged up and caught the light, it glistened like wet leather," Wells wrote.

The Guardian - Books

Two cranks of the handle and a bass bulged up behind the lure.

The New York Times - Sports

We stepped over thick, knotty roots bulging up through the earth until we reached a small cemetery.

The New Yorker

They were cute and ghastly in an "Addams Family" sort of way, their long snouts tapered like wine stoppers, their black eyes bulging up from their pale fur like peppercorns from a bed of rice, and their tiny teeth as sharp and plentiful as a piranha's.

The New York Times - Science

But such a decision would not fundamentally alter the fact that current patterns of growth in London are signs of weakness in government, not strength, bulging up opportunistically wherever it can, rather than in the places where it would best serve the city.

The Guardian - Arts

Concrete bunkers bulged up here and there, their firing slits resembling the sockets in a skull.

Forbes

In response, land along the southern fringe of the ice mass bulged up, much like a balloon that expands in one spot when squeezed in another.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bulge up" when describing a physical object or surface that is expanding outwards in a rounded or convex manner. Consider the visual image of something inflating or swelling when selecting this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "bulge up" when a general term like "expand" or "increase" is more appropriate. The phrase specifies a rounded, outward protrusion, not just any growth in size.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bulge up" functions primarily as a descriptive term, denoting a physical change where something expands outward in a rounded or convex manner. Ludwig examples illustrate its application to both geological formations and biological descriptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bulge up" is a grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the rounded, outward expansion of an object or surface. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and illustrates its usage across varied sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is versatile and effective in creating a visual image of physical expansion. Consider its specific nuance when choosing it over more general terms like "expand" or "increase", and avoid misusing it when a rounded shape is not implied. Related phrases like ""swell up"" or "protrude" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swell up

Implies an increase in size, often due to internal pressure or inflammation; less specific about the shape of the expansion.

protrude

Describes something sticking out or extending beyond a surface; focuses on the projection itself.

expand outward

Highlights the directional nature of the expansion, emphasizing movement away from a center.

balloon

Suggests an expansion in a rounded shape, similar to an inflating balloon.

inflate

Describes the process of filling with air or gas, leading to expansion.

curve outward

Focuses on the formation of a curved shape as something expands.

hump up

Suggests a rounded projection or raised area, often with a convex shape.

stick out

A more general term for something extending beyond a surface, lacking the specific connotation of roundness.

rise up

Indicates an upward movement or elevation, potentially resulting in a bulge.

pop out

Implies a sudden and often forceful outward movement or projection.

FAQs

How can I use "bulge up" in a sentence?

You can use "bulge up" to describe a physical object expanding outwards, such as "The tire began to "swell up"" or "The dough started to "rise up"" during baking.

What are some alternatives to "bulge up"?

Alternatives to "bulge up" include phrases like ""swell up"", "protrude", or "expand outward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "bulge up"?

While grammatically correct, "bulge up" may not be appropriate if you simply want to describe general growth without the specific image of a rounded, outward expansion. In those cases, "increase in size" or "expand" might be better choices.

What's the difference between "bulge up" and "swell up"?

"Bulge up" specifically implies a rounded or convex expansion, while ""swell up"" can refer to any increase in size, potentially without a distinct shape. Think of a balloon (bulge) versus an inflamed area (swell).