temper flared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temper flared" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone became angry suddenly. For example: "When John received his test results, his temper flared and he started to shout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Personal Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Beijing's temper flared again when the United States granted Mr. Lee a transit visa in 1997.

The New York Times

Although Interscope's Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine later tried to smooth things over, 50 Cent's temper flared again this week.

The Guardian - Music

I learned that he didn't like to lose and, on occasion, his temper flared when the poker pot was piled high with nickels and dimes and he lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most nights, Lamont washed Sheemie's school uniform by hand because he couldn't afford to buy another, and his cousin's temper flared over spilled detergent and Sheemie's misbehavior.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had been fired by Myles Brand, then the Indiana University president, after a series of incidents in which Knight's temper flared.

The New York Times - Sports

When he was asked, on August 9th, if the U.N. was there as "just a cover for the American invasion," his temper flared: "Kofi Annan and myself are independent from anyone".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

My father was now spending countless hours in the garage, his temper flaring.

The New Yorker

She could feel her temper flaring again and asked to transfer out.

The New York Times

Max's hormone blockers result in his temper flaring; he starts being slightly abusive to Jenny.

Wikipedia

Tempers flared.

The New York Times

Suddenly tempers flared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temper flared" to describe a sudden, noticeable display of anger, especially when the person's usual demeanor is calm or controlled.

Common error

While acceptable, "temper flared" can sometimes sound melodramatic in formal writing. Consider stronger or more precise verbs like "protested", "objected", or "criticized" for professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temper flared" functions as a declarative statement, typically part of a clause. It describes a specific event: the sudden display of anger. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe reactions to specific triggers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "temper flared" is a commonly used expression to describe the sudden onset of anger, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news articles, sports reports, and personal narratives. While versatile, consider the context and register when using it, opting for more precise language in formal settings. Related phrases include "lost one's temper" and "became enraged", but the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. When several people are angry, the expression is "tempers flared".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost one's temper

Focuses on the act of losing control rather than the intensity of the emotion.

became enraged

Emphasizes a higher degree of anger, suggesting intense fury.

flew into a rage

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled burst of anger.

became irate

Indicates a state of annoyance and irritation escalating to anger.

erupted in anger

Suggests a forceful and sudden expression of anger.

bristled with anger

Suggests visible signs of anger, like a defensive reaction.

saw red

An idiom implying a loss of control due to extreme anger.

reached boiling point

Implies a build-up of frustration leading to an outburst.

became incensed

Suggests being deeply angered, often by something considered unjust.

lost control

Focuses on the loss of self-control, not specifically anger.

FAQs

How can I use "temper flared" in a sentence?

You can use "temper flared" to describe a sudden outburst of anger. For example, "His temper flared when he heard the news" or "Her temper flared after the constant interruptions".

What's a less common way to say "temper flared"?

Alternatives include phrases like "lost one's temper", "became enraged", or "flew into a rage", though these might suggest a higher intensity of anger.

Is it correct to say "tempers flared" instead of "temper flared"?

Yes, "tempers flared" is correct when referring to multiple people becoming angry. "Temper flared" is used when describing a single person's reaction.

What is the difference between "anger flared" and "temper flared"?

"Anger flared" is similar, but "temper flared" often implies a loss of control or a deviation from a person's usual composure. You can also use alternatives like "wrath flared", although this alternative can be too dramatic.