burst into

USAGE SUMMARY

"burst into" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something suddenly appears or moves with an explosive force, like if you were describing a person unexpectedly entering a room or a firework suddenly exploding in the sky. For example: "The little girl burst into the room with a giant smile on her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I burst into tears.

The New York Times

He burst into tears.

The New York Times

Susan burst into tears.

The New Yorker

physicists burst into applause.

The New York Times - Science

Others burst into tears.

Independent

I burst into laughter.

The New York Times

People burst into applause.

The New York Times

Everyone burst into tears".

The New York Times - Magazine

Children burst into tears.

The New York Times - Sports

Many burst into tears.

The New Yorker

We burst into tears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the intensity of "burst into" aligns with the situation. It implies a strong and often unrestrained reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "burst into" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more restrained language, such as "began" or "commenced", when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burst into" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a sudden and forceful entry into a state or place. It is often used to describe the immediate onset of an emotion or action, such as "burst into tears" or "burst into laughter", as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burst into" is a versatile phrasal verb used to depict sudden and forceful actions or emotional expressions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across a range of contexts, especially within news and media. While generally neutral, its intensity suggests reserving it for more formal academic contexts. To add variety to your writing, alternatives like "erupt into", "break into", and "explode into" can be considered. Remember to be mindful of the context and intention when employing "burst into" to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erupt into

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful release, similar to a volcano.

break into

Suggests a sudden entry or transition, often implying a forceful or abrupt action.

explode into

Highlights an intense and sudden display of emotion or action.

launch into

Implies a sudden start or commencement of an activity or expression.

break out in

Focuses on a sudden and often uncontrollable manifestation, like breaking out in tears.

give way to

Indicates a yielding or transition into a particular state or emotion.

succumb to

Suggests a giving in to an overwhelming emotion or impulse.

fly into

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled emotional outburst.

start to

Indicates the beginning of something, but with less force than "burst into".

begin to

Similar to "start to", but may suggest a slightly more gradual onset.

FAQs

How can I use "burst into" in a sentence?

You can use "burst into" to describe a sudden display of emotion, like "She "burst into tears"", or a sudden action, like "The crowd "burst into applause"".

What are some alternatives to "burst into"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "erupt into", "break into", or "explode into" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "burst into" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "burst into" can sound informal or overly dramatic in formal writing. Consider using more restrained alternatives like "began to" or "commenced" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "burst into tears" and "started to cry"?

"Burst into tears" implies a sudden, uncontrollable outpouring of emotion. "Started to cry" suggests a more gradual onset of tears and can be a more subdued expression of sadness.