shoot through the roof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoot through the roof" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an increase or escalation of something at a rapid rate, often in an unexpected way. For example, "After the company released their new product, sales shot through the roof and exceeded all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Germany's currency would shoot through the roof.

The New York Times

Couple that with a solid returning core group, and expectations immediately shoot through the roof when they probably shouldn't.

The Washington Post

Therefore, if the amplitude of the current stays constant at all frequencies, at low frequencies, the voltage across the capacitive device will shoot through the roof.

Cornell University

You pop up that campaign rally, you could let it roll for an hour and your ratings would shoot through the roof.

The Washington Post

If his principal online contact happened to be Google's Sergey Brin, say, Pedro's social score would no doubt shoot through the roof.

The Guardian

My premiums suddenly shoot through the roof, so I'm going without it this year and hoping I don't run into a freaking Jedi Knight.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Rents started shooting through the roof.

The Guardian

Flames shot through the roof, which collapsed.

The New York Times

But prices shot through the roof once again.

The New York Times - Arts

"Vegetable prices have shot through the roof," she said.

The Guardian

Hotel rates have lately shot through the roof.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoot through the roof" when you want to emphasize a sudden, dramatic increase. For a more neutral tone, consider alternatives like "increase sharply".

Common error

While "shoot through the roof" is widely understood, it can sound informal or hyperbolic in professional or academic writing. Choose a more neutral alternative to maintain a serious and objective tone in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoot through the roof" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a rapid and significant increase or escalation. Ludwig confirms it is considered grammaticaly correct. Examples found on Ludwig include contexts where prices, ratings, and revenues dramatically increase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shoot through the roof" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that vividly describes a rapid and significant increase. It is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig. While versatile, it is more appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, such as news articles or general conversation, and should be used cautiously in formal writing. Alternatives like "skyrocket" or "increase sharply" can provide a more neutral tone when needed. Overall, Ludwig data indicates its function as to emphasize and generate attention. Therefore, consider usage and context before using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skyrocket

This term directly implies a rapid upward trajectory, similar to a rocket.

go through the ceiling

This idiom shares the same concept of breaking through a barrier and reaching a high level.

surge dramatically

Focuses on the intensity and impact of the increase.

increase exponentially

Highlights the accelerating nature of the rise.

climb rapidly

A more straightforward and less dramatic way to express a quick increase.

rise sharply

Emphasizes the steepness of the incline.

jump significantly

Suggests a notable and immediate upward shift.

escalate quickly

Highlights the speed at which something is intensifying or increasing.

take off

Similar to the "shoot" concept, highlights something that is taking flight or elevating.

boom

A simpler expression to convey a rapid increase.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoot through the roof" to describe a rapid and significant increase. For example, "After the endorsement, the artist's popularity "shot through the roof"".

What does it mean when something "shoots through the roof"?

It means something has increased dramatically and rapidly, often unexpectedly.

What are some alternatives to saying something "shot through the roof"?

Alternatives include "skyrocket", "surge dramatically", or "increase exponentially". The best choice depends on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "shoot through the roof" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "increase sharply" or "rise significantly".