bursting off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bursting off" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in standard contexts.
It could be used in a creative or informal context to describe something that is suddenly or forcefully departing or breaking away. Example: "The fireworks were bursting off into the night sky, illuminating the darkness with vibrant colors."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The bubble might be bursting off in Sun Belt subdivisions, but not in the playground of the Wall Street elite.

The New York Times

It is indeed great and big in every way – a large format volume with Riddell's distinctive pictures bursting off the page accompanied by Rosen's perfectly pitched rhymes.

The Guardian

The Lutzes know that a family of six was murdered there, but who knew that would mean black slime oozing through the walls and plumbing, doors bursting off their hinges and mysterious voices saying, "Get out"?

The New York Times

Until recently we saw, together with the injunction from Nike to "Just Do It", the athlete in his green Lycra bodysuit bursting off the starting blocks, under the line: "I am the bullet in the chamber".

The Guardian

The joys of "The Clock" are intrinsically connected to its obsessive homage to cinema: to sit for an hour or so is to be treated to Jimmy Stewart's smile; Jodie Foster, playing brilliant and nervous in "The Accused"; a young Robert Redford, nonchalant in a doorway, waiting for something to go down; Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren; Paul Newman, bursting off the screen.

The New Yorker

Some of these medicines will be the darlings that send the stock shares bursting off the charts, while others will engender class-action lawsuits.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then Ron Dayne burst off right tackle for 16 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

The only one who bursts off the page into three dimensions is Royal.

The New York Times

Michael Turner burst off left guard for 15 yards on the first play of the game, and the Falcons were off and running.

The New York Times - Sports

The Seminoles finally broke through in the third quarter when Smith burst off tackle at the 50 and raced 49 yards to the Clemson 1-yard line.

The New York Times - Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Jan . 8- On Carolina's first play from scrimmage Sunday, DeShaun Foster burst off left tackle for a 10-yard gain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bursting off" to vividly describe a sudden and energetic departure or appearance, especially when emphasizing the force behind the action. For example, "The runner was bursting off the starting block".

Common error

Avoid using "bursting off" in formal or academic writing, as it may sound too informal. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "exploding out" or "rapidly departing".

Linguistic Context

Functionally, "bursting off" acts as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "bursting" with the particle "off" to create a distinct meaning. It typically describes a sudden and energetic departure or release, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples where athletes are "bursting off" starting blocks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "bursting off" vividly describes a sudden and energetic departure or release. Though deemed acceptable by Ludwig, and frequently used in news and media contexts, it should be used judiciously in formal writing. Alternatives such as "exploding out" or "breaking free" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. Keep in mind to emphasize force behind any action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploding out

This alternative captures a more forceful and immediate release of energy or content.

exploding outwards

Similar to "exploding out", but with a directional emphasis on spreading from a center point.

breaking free

Implies a release from constraints or limitations, emphasizing liberation or escape.

springing forth

Suggests a sudden and energetic appearance or emergence.

taking off rapidly

Focuses on a quick departure or start, highlighting speed and initiation.

shooting out

Emphasizes the speed and direction of the movement, suggesting a projectile-like action.

launching forward

Implies a propelled or intentional start, focusing on direction and purpose.

erupting suddenly

Captures the unexpected and forceful nature of the movement or display.

leaping away

Highlights a jump or bound as the mode of departure, suggesting agility and quickness.

darting out

Indicates a swift and sudden movement, often implying a small size or quickness.

FAQs

How can "bursting off" be used in a sentence?

You can use "bursting off" to describe a sudden and energetic movement or release. For example, "The firework was bursting off into the night sky" or "The athlete was bursting off the starting line".

What are some alternatives to "bursting off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exploding out", "breaking free", or "springing forth".

Is "bursting off" appropriate for formal writing?

While "bursting off" is acceptable in informal contexts, it is generally not recommended for formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise and professional alternatives for a formal tone.

What does "bursting off" typically describe?

"Bursting off" commonly describes a sudden and forceful departure, appearance, or release of energy. It can be used to depict fireworks, athletic starts, or other energetic actions.