door flew open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "door flew open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or forceful opening of a door, often implying surprise or urgency. Example: "As the storm raged outside, the door flew open, letting in a gust of wind that sent papers flying across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The door flew open.

The New York Times - Magazine

Twenty minutes later the door flew open.

The Guardian

The prison door flew open.

The New York Times

Door flew open, raked length of trolley.

The New Yorker

Thirty minutes later, the door flew open.

The New York Times

Just then the door flew open and someone yelled "dinner".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"There was no door flying open or anything like that.

Independent

The door flies open; he has transformed into a werewolf.

The New York Times - Books

The door flies open and in bolts Q, eyes wide, panicked.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sensing a silence or slight misunderstanding between two characters, Summerscale prods a bit, and the door flies open to a whole new set of stories.

The Guardian - Books

"I would have dreams of we being in a squad meeting and that door fly open and kids come running through chasing one another, and what was I going to do?" he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "door flew open" to create a sense of suddenness and surprise in your writing. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative contexts where you want to heighten tension or introduce an unexpected element.

Common error

Avoid using "door flew open" too frequently in descriptive passages, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Consider varying your descriptions of doors opening with alternatives that provide more specific details about the manner and cause of the opening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "door flew open" functions as a descriptive element, typically within a narrative context. It vividly portrays a sudden and forceful action, often serving to introduce a new element or escalate tension in the scene. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various sources to depict unexpected entries and abrupt changes in a setting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "door flew open" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to depict a sudden, forceful opening. Predominantly found in news and media, as validated by Ludwig, it serves to inject immediacy and surprise into narratives. Alternatives like "door burst open" or "door swung open" offer similar connotations, while careful usage can prevent overuse in descriptive passages. The analysis indicates that while the expression maintains a neutral register, its impact is best harnessed to accentuate tension and create vivid imagery. Therefore, understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

door burst open

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the opening, often implying a release of pressure or pent-up energy.

door swung open

Suggests a wide, sweeping motion as the door opens, possibly due to momentum or force.

door was flung open

Highlights the action of someone forcefully throwing the door open.

door was thrown open

Similar to "door was flung open", but with a slightly less aggressive connotation.

door sprang open

Implies a sudden, energetic opening, possibly due to a spring mechanism or release.

door shot open

Conveys a rapid, almost projectile-like opening of the door.

door ripped open

Suggests a violent or forceful opening, possibly causing damage to the door or its surroundings.

door unlatched itself

The door unexpectedly opened itself

door gave way

The door forcefully opened with the loss of resistence.

the portal became unsealed

Emphasizes the unexpected release of the door.

FAQs

How can I use "door flew open" in a sentence?

Use "door flew open" to describe a sudden or forceful opening of a door, often implying surprise or urgency. For example: "Just then, the "door flew open" and someone yelled 'dinner'."

What are some alternatives to "door flew open"?

Alternatives include "door burst open", "door swung open", or "door was flung open". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the door flew open"?

Yes, "door flew open" is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in narrative writing. The phrase accurately describes a door opening suddenly and forcefully.

What does it imply when a door "flew open"?

It usually implies a sudden, forceful, and often unexpected opening. The imagery suggests a lack of control or a significant force acting upon the door, as demonstrated in many examples from Ludwig.