it started to explode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to explode" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is beginning to burst or become uncontrollable, often used in a figurative sense. Example: "As tensions rose during the meeting, it started to explode into a heated argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And then it started to explode.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"If you click on the panels and the dates, it starts to explode them," he said.

The New Yorker

It has always been said that this is a ticking time bomb, and it appears we are already seeing it start to explode.

Huffington Post

It was 6 53 PM when the first bombs started to explode more frequently.

Vice

It was the summer of 2015 and the refugee crisis had started to explode," Olek explains to The Creators Project.

Vice

There's that element of don't overstay your welcome, which is a shame because it's only in the current series that things have really started to explode".

Independent

The program just started to explode.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that estimate was made before storm-damaged plants started to explode.

The New Yorker

For Nokia, it was the steady increase of market share that left competitors in the dust at the same time the size of the handset market started to explode.

Forbes

Ada Lichtman, a survivor of the escape recalls: "Suddenly we heard shots... Mines started to explode.

Wikipedia

Gunshots started to explode behind the men as they approached the protection of their makeshift fortification.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to explode" to vividly describe situations where something suddenly and dramatically intensifies or becomes uncontrollable, whether literally or figuratively. For example, use it to describe market growth, conflict escalation, or emotional outbursts.

Common error

Avoid using "it started to explode" in highly formal or academic writing where a more restrained and precise expression might be more appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "it began to escalate" or "it commenced to surge".

Linguistic Context

It started to explode functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a sudden and forceful increase or escalation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, particularly in descriptive contexts. It emphasizes the initial phase of an event rapidly intensifying, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it started to explode" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the sudden and dramatic onset of an escalation or rapid increase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While frequently found in news and media, it may be less suitable for formal academic writing. Consider context and audience when choosing between this phrase and more restrained alternatives like "it began to escalate" or "it commenced to surge" to maintain appropriate tone and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to escalate

Focuses on the increasing intensity or seriousness of a situation.

it began to erupt

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful release of pent-up energy or emotion.

it commenced to surge

Highlights a rapid increase or upswing in a particular phenomenon.

it initiated a boom

Refers to a period of rapid growth or expansion, often in economic terms.

it triggered a surge

Emphasizes the causal aspect, indicating that something has initiated a sudden increase.

it sparked an outburst

Highlights a sudden release of emotion or activity, often uncontrollable.

it unleashed a torrent

Implies a powerful and overwhelming flow or outpouring of something.

it set off a chain reaction

Focuses on a series of events triggered by an initial action or occurrence.

it inaugurated an upswing

Highlights the beginning of a period of improvement or increase.

it signaled a breakout

Suggests a sudden advancement or escape from a confined state.

FAQs

How can I use "it started to explode" in a sentence?

You can use "it started to explode" to describe a situation that rapidly intensified. For example, "As tensions rose, "it started to explode" into a full-blown argument."

What are some alternatives to "it started to explode"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it began to escalate", "it began to erupt", or "it commenced to surge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it started to explode" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it started to explode" may sound too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more restrained alternatives like "it began to intensify" or "it commenced to grow rapidly".

What does "it started to explode" typically imply?

The phrase often implies a sudden and dramatic increase or escalation, potentially to an uncontrollable level. The object that "started to explode" metaphorically bursts forth with rapid growth or intensity.