has broken out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has broken out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the sudden occurrence of something, such as a conflict, disease, or event. Example: "A new strain of the virus has broken out in several countries, prompting health officials to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Peace has broken out".

The New York Times

The fighting has broken out only sporadically.

The New York Times

"Politics has broken out in Iraq," Mr. Biden said.

The New York Times

Democracy, aided by sunlight, has broken out in Britain.

The New York Times

A KERFUFFLE has broken out between philosophy and physics.

The New York Times

Already, communal violence has broken out in the north.

The New York Times

A war of ideals has broken out at TED 2012.

The Guardian - Tech

Violence has broken out anew in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Common sense has broken out at Rank Group.

The Guardian - Business

A major fire has broken out on Eastbourne pier.

The Guardian

A storm has broken out, and it will grow".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has broken out" to describe the sudden and often unexpected commencement of negative events like wars, diseases, or conflicts. This emphasizes the abruptness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "has broken out" to describe positive events. It typically carries a negative connotation, so opt for phrases like "has emerged" or "has started" for more favorable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has broken out" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It typically indicates the sudden and often unexpected commencement of an event or situation, often with negative connotations. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in contexts like wars, violence, and disease outbreaks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has broken out" is a verb phrase in the present perfect tense used to describe the sudden and often unwelcome start of events. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal contexts. Given its tendency to describe negative situations, it's best to reserve this term for appropriate events. Alternatives include "has erupted" or "has emerged", depending on the specific nuance needed. Keep in mind it usually has a neutral register, avoiding being overly casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has erupted

Replaces "broken out" with a stronger, more forceful term, often used for conflicts or sudden events.

has flared up

Implies a sudden and often intense outbreak, particularly for conflicts or illnesses.

has emerged

Indicates something has come into view or become apparent, similar to a breakout.

has sparked

Indicates the beginning of something, often used for events that ignite quickly.

has started

A simpler and more general term for the beginning of something.

has triggered

Suggests something has initiated a reaction or event.

has commenced

A more formal way of saying something has started.

has arisen

Suggests something has come into existence or attention.

has initiated

A formal term for starting or beginning something.

has unfolded

Implies a gradual reveal or development, differing from the suddenness of "broken out".

FAQs

How can I use "has broken out" in a sentence?

Use "has broken out" to describe the sudden start of something, usually negative, such as "A fire "has broken out"" or "Violence "has broken out"".

What can I say instead of "has broken out"?

Alternatives to "has broken out" include phrases like "has erupted", "has emerged", or "has started", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "has broken out" or "broke out"?

"Has broken out" is the present perfect tense, used when the timing is not specified or relevant. "Broke out" is the simple past tense, used for a completed action in the past. For example, "A war "has broken out" recently" versus "A war "broke out" in 1914".

What's the difference between "has broken out" and "has emerged"?

"Has broken out" usually implies a sudden and often unwelcome occurrence, like a disease or conflict. "Has emerged" suggests something has come into view or become known, without necessarily implying negativity. For example: "A new leader has emerged" versus "A deadly virus "has broken out"".