go through the roof

USAGE SUMMARY

"go through the roof" is a common phrase in written English, and it means to increase dramatically or to become very high.
For example: "When the housing market crashed in 2008, house prices went through the roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would electricity prices go through the roof?

The Economist

"The television ratings go through the roof".

The New York Times - Sports

House prices will go through the roof.

The Guardian - Opinion

They might just go through the roof.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"His stock will go through the roof.

The New York Times - Sports

"By Sunday, I think it'll go through the roof.

The New York Times

So for a while farmland prices go through the roof.

The New York Times

A. Oh, it's going to go through the roof!

The New York Times

"I thought I would go through the roof".

The New York Times

"I wish: my career would go through the roof!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you have less choice, rates go through the roof".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go through the roof" to vividly describe dramatic increases in prices, emotions, or any measurable quantity. It adds a strong sense of scale and intensity to your writing.

Common error

While effective, avoid overusing "go through the roof" in a single piece of writing. Too many instances can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "skyrocket" or "surge" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go through the roof" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. Ludwig shows it to vividly describe a significant increase or escalation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go through the roof" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to describe a dramatic and rapid increase in something. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While it's generally acceptable for most situations, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "increase significantly" or "rise dramatically". Remember to use this phrase to add emphasis to substantial increases, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Also, explore related phrases such as "skyrocket" and "surge" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skyrocket

This term suggests a rapid and dramatic increase, similar to a rocket's ascent.

surge

Implies a sudden and powerful increase, often used for quantities or emotions.

escalate rapidly

Focuses on the quick pace of the increase or intensification.

increase exponentially

Highlights the accelerating nature of the growth.

jump sharply

Suggests a sudden and noticeable rise.

climb steeply

Emphasizes the sharp upward trajectory of the increase.

rise dramatically

Focuses on the significant and noticeable nature of the increase.

soar

Suggests a graceful and sustained rise to a high level.

shoot up

Implies a quick, upward movement, similar to being shot upwards.

balloon

Conveys the image of something expanding rapidly, like a balloon filling with air.

FAQs

What does "go through the roof" mean?

The idiom "go through the roof" means to increase dramatically or reach a very high level. It is used to describe a sudden and substantial rise in something, such as prices, demand, or emotions.

How can I use "go through the roof" in a sentence?

You can use "go through the roof" to describe a rapid increase. For example: "After the celebrity endorsement, sales went through the roof" or "If they discover a cure for AIDS it would "go through the roof"".

Which phrases are similar to "go through the roof"?

Phrases with similar meanings include "skyrocket", "surge", and "increase exponentially". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "go through the roof" appropriate for formal writing?

While "go through the roof" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for some academic or highly professional contexts. In those cases, consider using alternatives like "increased significantly" or "rose dramatically".