burst out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burst out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone suddenly expressing strong emotion, such as laughter or anger, often in an unrestrained manner. Example: "She couldn't hold back her laughter any longer and burst out in a fit of giggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They burst out laughing.

Independent

I burst out crying.

The Guardian

Frustration burst out everywhere.

The New York Times - Sports

Ready to burst out!

The New Yorker

I burst out sobbing.

The New York Times

Khan burst out laughing.

The New Yorker

One burst out crying.

The New Yorker

They'd burst out laughing!

The New Yorker

She burst out laughing.

The New York Times

I nearly burst out laughing.

Independent

Then he burst out laughing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burst out" to vividly describe a sudden, often uncontrollable, expression of emotion, such as laughter, crying, or anger. It's most effective when emphasizing the spontaneity and intensity of the reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "burst out" to describe events that unfold gradually or lack a sudden, explosive quality. This phrase is best reserved for moments of immediate emotional release, not for processes that develop over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burst out" functions as an intransitive verb, often followed by a gerund. It describes a sudden and forceful expression of emotion or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used to describe someone expressing strong emotion in an unrestrained manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burst out" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes a sudden and forceful expression of emotion, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, conveying spontaneity and intensity. While neutral in register, its usage is best reserved for describing immediate emotional releases, avoiding its application to gradual occurrences. Alternatives like "erupted in" or "broke into" can provide similar meanings depending on the specific context. Understanding its function and purpose enables effective and vivid communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suddenly express

Directly indicates a rapid and overt display of emotion.

erupt in

Specifically indicates a sudden outpouring of something, like laughter or tears.

explode with

Indicates a violent and sudden release of emotion or force.

erupt

Implies a sudden and forceful outward expression, similar to a volcano.

flare up

Suggests a sudden and intense display of anger or other strong emotion.

break out

Suggests a sudden occurrence or escape, akin to a breakout.

unleash

Suggests a freeing or releasing of pent-up emotion or energy.

break into

Implies a sudden start or transition into a state or activity.

give way to

Suggests an overwhelming yielding to an emotion or force.

let out

Implies a release or utterance of something previously held back.

FAQs

How is "burst out" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "burst out" is generally followed by a verb or gerund describing the specific emotion or action, such as "burst out laughing", "burst out crying", or "burst out singing".

What are some alternatives to "burst out" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "erupted in", "broke into", or "suddenly expressed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "burst out in laughter" or simply "burst out laughing"?

Both are acceptable, but "burst out laughing" is more concise and commonly used. "Burst out in laughter" adds a slight emphasis on the specific emotion, but it's often seen as redundant.

What's the difference between "burst out" and "break out"?

"Burst out" typically refers to a sudden expression of emotion, while "break out" generally describes a sudden occurrence or escape. For example, you "burst out laughing", but a "break out" of a rash or a prison.