exploded in applause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploded in applause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and enthusiastic reaction of applause from an audience, often after a performance or speech. Example: "After the final act, the audience exploded in applause, showing their appreciation for the incredible performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The crowd exploded in applause.

The Guardian

Bushrod Washington's ballroom exploded in applause.

The New Yorker

Then he pulled it off, and a few kids squealed "Eeew!" The room exploded in applause.

The New Yorker

The room, which just minutes earlier had settled into a sober and comfortable rejection of war, exploded in applause.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm glad I could share this experience with other people," he said as the room exploded in applause.

The New York Times - Sports

In the jump-off, after the Dutch riders Maikel van der Vleuten and Marc Houtzager knocked fences down, the full crowd exploded in applause for Britain's victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Flanked by more than 20 televisions, in a sea of maroon, The Ainsworth explodes in applause.

The New York Times

He had the second set in 25 minutes, getting it on his fourth set point, the crowd exploding in applause.

The New York Times

The crowd stood silent as Deng rose higher, tongue out in a Jordanesque swagger, before exploding in applause as he ripped the ball through the rim.

The New York Times - Sports

Knoblauch fielded two grounders yesterday in the five innings he played and tossed soft, accurate throws to first both times, which caused the fans to explode in applause.

The New York Times - Sports

Mariana asks, "Do you worry about how your fans will react to this news?" "I love my fans," Lucy says, and turns and waves at the studio audience, who explode in applause.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exploded in applause" to vividly describe a moment of sudden, enthusiastic appreciation, particularly after a surprising or impactful event. It's best suited for situations where the applause is especially loud and immediate.

Common error

Avoid using "exploded in applause" for mundane or routine situations. Overusing such vivid language can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Consider milder alternatives like "applauded" or "clapped" for less dramatic moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploded in applause" functions as a descriptive expression, vividly portraying a sudden and enthusiastic response from an audience. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English and is a common way to describe such a reaction. The phrase describes the manner the applause happened, it does not identify an element but describes a fact in a subjective form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploded in applause" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to vividly describe a sudden and enthusiastic outburst of clapping from an audience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively uncommon, it's best suited for news, media and sports writing where a dramatic effect is desired. Remember to consider less dramatic alternatives like "erupted in applause" or "the audience applauded enthusiastically" in formal contexts or when a less exaggerated tone is preferred. While dramatic it conveys emotion that can be understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erupted in applause

Uses 'erupted' instead of 'exploded', suggesting a sudden and forceful outburst of applause.

burst into applause

Replaces "exploded" with "burst", implying a more sudden and less intense start of the applause.

broke into applause

Uses "broke into", suggesting the applause interrupted a silence or previous state.

the audience roared with applause

Shifts the imagery to a "roar", emphasizing the loudness and intensity of the applause.

the room thundered with applause

Replaces "exploded" with "thundered", focusing on the deep, resonant sound of the applause.

the crowd went wild with applause

Uses "went wild", indicating a more unrestrained and enthusiastic reaction.

applause filled the air

Focuses on the widespread presence of the applause rather than its explosive nature.

the sound of applause reverberated

Highlights the echoing and prolonged nature of the applause.

the audience clapped enthusiastically

Simplifies the phrase to a more straightforward description of enthusiastic clapping.

the room resonated with clapping

Implies a sustained and impactful sound of applause.

FAQs

What does "exploded in applause" mean?

The phrase "exploded in applause" describes a sudden and enthusiastic outburst of clapping from an audience, usually in response to something exciting, impressive, or moving.

What can I say instead of "exploded in applause"?

You can use alternatives like "erupted in applause", "burst into applause", or "broke into applause" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "exploded in applause" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "exploded in applause" is acceptable, it can be perceived as somewhat dramatic. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "the audience applauded enthusiastically" or "the performance was met with applause."

Which is more appropriate, "exploded with applause" or "exploded in applause"?

"Exploded in applause" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Exploded with applause" is less idiomatic and might sound awkward to some readers. You can check the definition and frequency of use to determine which one may be better.