flew open

USAGE SUMMARY

"flew open" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that opens suddenly or quickly, often with a sense of force or surprise. An example: "The door flew open, revealing a bright light." Alternative expressions include "burst open" and "swung open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 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

In the morning, David's eyes flew open.

The New Yorker

Door flew open, raked length of trolley.

The New Yorker

Thirty minutes later, the door flew open.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Now he got off; he touched a spring; it flew open --What a mine open --Whatopen --Whatjewels, beamine gofd, and pale silver-was displayed therein.

Columbia University

The door went flying open.

The New Yorker

Doors fly open and slam shut.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flew open" to vividly describe a door, window, or other opening mechanism that opens suddenly and with force. This phrasing adds a sense of immediacy and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flew open" for gradual or gentle openings. This phrase implies a sudden, forceful action; using it in other contexts weakens its descriptive power and creates an inaccurate image.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flew open" is a phrasal verb acting as a predicate, describing the action of something opening suddenly and forcefully. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase commonly depicts doors, windows, or gates rapidly moving to an open state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flew open" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrasal verb that vividly describes something opening suddenly and with force. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for a wide audience. While synonyms like "burst open" or "sprang open" exist, "flew open" uniquely emphasizes the speed and impact of the action. Remember to reserve this phrase for openings that are genuinely sudden and forceful to maintain its descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst open

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful opening, often implying internal pressure or a breaking point.

sprang open

Suggests a quick, almost energetic opening, as if released by a spring.

snapped open

Highlights an abrupt and often sharp opening, possibly with a snapping sound.

swung open

Implies a smooth, pivoting motion during the opening, focusing on the arc of movement.

shot open

Conveys a rapid and almost projectile-like opening, suggesting speed and force.

flung open

Emphasizes the force and energy used to open something, often implying carelessness.

ripped open

Suggests a violent or forceful tearing action during the opening, implying damage.

ejected open

Indicates a rapid and forceful expulsion outwards when opening

unfurled

Suggests something opening gradually as if it was wrapped up.

unlocked

Suggests that something may have been closed for a long time.

FAQs

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

You can use "flew open" to describe something that opens suddenly and forcefully. For example, "The door "flew open", revealing a chaotic scene inside."

What can I say instead of "flew open"?

You can use alternatives like "burst open", "swung open", or "sprang open" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flew opened" instead of "flew open"?

No, "flew opened" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""flew open"", where "flew" is the past tense of "fly" and "open" functions as an adjective describing the state of being open.

What's the difference between "flew open" and "was opened quickly"?

"Flew open" implies a suddenness and forcefulness that "was opened quickly" may not fully capture. The former suggests a more dramatic and visually impactful opening.