burst through

USAGE SUMMARY

"burst through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a forceful movement or entry into a place or situation. For example: "The crowd burst through the entryway and rushed into the stadium."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Artillery shells burst through the compound.

The New York Times

Running backs burst through holes untouched.

The New York Times - Sports

A woman burst through, shrieking.

The Washington Post

It's harder to burst through.

The New York Times

Zombie-hunters burst through the door.

The Washington Post

Silver Wagon didn't just burst through.

The New York Times - Sports

The officers burst through and moved in different directions.

The New York Times

Two men burst through the door and opened fire.

The Guardian

That was when Grady burst through the back door.

The New Yorker

"Kramer is about to burst through Jerry's door".

The New Yorker

But Wilson and Vernon had burst through the line cleanly.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burst through" to vividly describe a sudden, forceful entry or movement. This emphasizes the speed and impact of the action, creating a more engaging image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "burst through" in passive voice, as it diminishes the sense of force and immediacy. For example, instead of "The door was burst through", use "The men burst through the door" to maintain a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "burst through" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, describing a forceful and rapid movement or entry. It vividly portrays the action of overcoming an obstacle or barrier, as Ludwig's examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Literature

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burst through" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that vividly depicts a sudden and forceful movement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is deemed grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media, sports, and literature. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to highlight the energy and impact of an action, making it a valuable tool for engaging readers. While generally neutral, it is best used in active voice to maximize its descriptive power. Alternatives include "break through" and "force through", which offer slight variations in meaning and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break through

Implies overcoming an obstacle or resistance, similar to "burst through", but can also refer to making a significant discovery.

charge through

Implies a rapid and forceful movement through something, like an army or a player in sport.

force through

Suggests using force or pressure to achieve a passage, comparable to "burst through" in terms of overcoming resistance.

explode through

Suggests a very forceful and rapid passage, like an explosion.

smash through

Emphasizes a more destructive or violent way of passing through something.

erupt through

Describes a sudden and often violent emergence, similar to volcanic activity.

rip through

Implies a forceful and destructive movement, tearing or damaging what is being passed through.

plow through

Indicates moving through something with effort and determination, but not necessarily sudden.

push through

Implies exerting effort to advance or proceed, despite resistance or obstacles.

break free

Focuses on escaping from confinement or restraint.

FAQs

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

You can use "burst through" to describe a sudden and forceful entry. For example, "The protesters "burst through" the barricades".

What's a synonym for "burst through"?

Synonyms include phrases like "break through", "force through", or "smash through", which all suggest overcoming an obstacle with force.

Is it correct to say "burst through"?

Yes, "burst through" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb to describe a forceful movement or entry.

What is the difference between "burst through" and "break through"?

"Burst through" often implies a more sudden and energetic action, while "break through" can suggest a more gradual or strategic overcoming of an obstacle.