ENGLISH
REFERENCE

burst into

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to suddenly start doing something, like crying, laughing, or singing.

phr. v.. to suddenly and spontaneously begin a specific state or action; often used with nouns representing emotional outbursts or sudden movement.


SIMPLE

The audience burst into laughter after the joke.

CONTEXTUAL

She was so overwhelmed by the news that she burst into tears immediately.

COMPLEX

As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the dry brush burst into flames, lighting up the entire valley.

Particles
into
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
burst + into + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun representing an action or emotion, such as tears, laughter, song, or flames.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'break into' (often used for physical entry or a change in pace like 'break into a run'); 'burst into' emphasizes the sudden, explosive nature of the start.

Pitfall

He burst into to cry.He burst into tears.this phrase is followed by a noun, not an infinitive verb.

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