sprang open

USAGE SUMMARY

"sprang open" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that suddenly opened with force or energy. Example: The door sprang open as the wind gusted through the hallway. Alternative expressions include "burst open" and "flung open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

With a satisfying metallic gurgle the lock sprang open.

The New Yorker

Then the squids' arms sprang open, and their tentacles exploded outward, lashing their prey.

The New Yorker

I pressed a button, a door sprang open and, voilà, the toilet paper.

The New York Times

He opened the cabinet and pushed the back, which sprang open into another room.

The New York Times

After the Caribbean cocaine-trafficking route was sealed, new, bloodier ones sprang open in Mexico, and then in Central America.

The Economist

And when the gates sprang open for the Oaks, a crowd of 104,867 barely caught its breath as Rachel Alexandra roared to a record 20 ¼-length victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The resulting fame — landing on the cover of Time magazine — sprung open other openings, and he bounded through every one.

The New Yorker

The door springs open.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, his eyes spring open.

The Washington Post

Then all at once the trapdoor sprung open.

The Guardian - Film

It hit the side of the vessel and sprung open.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sprang open" to vividly describe a sudden or forceful opening, particularly when there's a sense of contained energy being released. It's effective in narrative writing to add a dynamic element to your descriptions.

Common error

While appropriate in descriptive and narrative writing, avoid using "sprang open" in formal reports or academic papers where a more neutral or technical term would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sprang open" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It describes a sudden and often forceful action of something opening. Ludwig confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sprang open" effectively conveys a sense of sudden and forceful opening. Ludwig highlights its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for descriptive writing where vivid imagery is desired, and should be used judiciously in formal contexts. Alternatives like "burst open" or "flew open" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The expert rating indicates a high level of confidence in its appropriate usage and authoritative sourcing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burst open

Implies a more forceful and sudden opening, often with an element of destruction or release of contained energy.

sprung apart

Similar meaning, the focus is on two parts separating suddenly.

flew open

Suggests a quick and uncontrolled opening, as if propelled by an external force.

snapped open

Highlights the suddenness and a sharp sound associated with the opening.

shot open

Emphasizes speed and directionality in the opening action.

flipped open

Specifically describes an opening action involving a hinged or pivoted part.

popped open

Indicates a quick, light opening, often with a small sound.

flipped up

Specifically denotes an upward, hinged opening.

sprung up

Implies a sudden appearance or creation, rather than a physical opening. Semantic change is consistent, although the change is significant.

unlatched

Suggests that something was secured and is now released.

FAQs

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

Use "sprang open" to describe something that suddenly opens, often with force or energy. For example: "The door "sprang open" as the wind gusted through the hallway".

What's a good alternative to "sprang open"?

Alternatives include "burst open", "flew open", or "popped open", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sprang open" formal or informal?

"Sprang open" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It's suitable for narrative and descriptive writing but might be less appropriate in highly formal or technical contexts.

What does "sprang open" imply?

"Sprang open" implies a sudden, often energetic, opening. It suggests that something was either held shut or under tension and then released quickly.