exploded in popularity

USAGE SUMMARY

"exploded in popularity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when referring to something that has become widely known and accepted quickly, such as "After his new song was released, the singer's career exploded in popularity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It exploded in popularity after it was released in 2006.

The New York Times - Tech

Endurance events have exploded in popularity, particularly among older athletes.

The Washington Post

Text messages have exploded in popularity, particularly among young people.

The New York Times

Gtramp has exploded in popularity over the past two years.

The New York Times - Health

Blueberries have exploded in popularity because of their rebranding as a "superfood".

Independent

But China is a potentially huge market, and the game has exploded in popularity in Australia.

The Economist

Programs for the next generation of wealth holders have exploded in popularity.

The New York Times

The games exploded in popularity with the rise of the Internet.

The New York Times - Sports

Youth baseball in Georgia has exploded in popularity, especially for elite summer travel programs.

The New York Times - Sports

Free-to-play, social and mobile games have exploded in popularity.

The Guardian - Tech

In the five years since she stopped performing live, Sia Furler's music has exploded in popularity.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploded in popularity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming popular and why. Provide enough information to help the reader understand the reason for the sudden surge.

Common error

Avoid using "exploded in popularity" for trends that have only seen a slight or gradual increase. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the rise in popularity is significant and clearly noticeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploded in popularity" functions as a verbal phrase describing a sudden and substantial increase in the favor or adoption of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exploded in popularity" is a common and correct way to describe a significant and rapid increase in the acceptance or usage of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to emphasize the sudden and often unexpected nature of a trend's rise. While highly frequent and grammatically sound, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for truly remarkable increases in popularity, as indicated in the writing guidance, rather than overusing it for minor trends. Alternatives like "surged in popularity" or "gained rapid traction" may offer more formal alternatives for certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Surged in popularity

Implies a sudden, powerful increase in popularity.

Gained rapid traction

Focuses on the speed and momentum of increasing popularity.

Witnessed a boom in popularity

Highlights a significant and rapid expansion in popularity.

Became an overnight sensation

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the rise in popularity.

Experienced a meteoric rise

Suggests an extremely rapid and dramatic increase in popularity, like a meteor streaking across the sky.

Skyrocketed in fame

Uses 'skyrocketed' to indicate a very high and quick ascent in public recognition.

Achieved widespread recognition

Focuses on the breadth of awareness rather than the speed of increase.

Quickly became a trend

Highlights the transition into a popular and fashionable phenomenon.

Took the world by storm

Implies an overwhelming and pervasive increase in popularity across a global scale.

Spread like wildfire

Highlights the fast, uncontrollable, and expansive nature of how the popularity increased.

FAQs

How can I use "exploded in popularity" in a sentence?

You can use "exploded in popularity" to describe a sudden and significant increase in the acceptance, usage, or awareness of something. For instance, "The new social media app "exploded in popularity" among teenagers."

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

You can use alternatives like "surged in popularity", "gained rapid traction", or "became an overnight sensation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exploded in popularity" in formal writing?

While "exploded in popularity" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal due to the use of "exploded". In formal writing, consider alternatives like "experienced a significant increase" or "gained widespread acceptance".

Which is correct, "exploded in popularity" or "exploded with popularity"?

"Exploded in popularity" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Exploded with popularity" is not a standard or commonly used expression.