What are the definitions of “burst out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Suddenly start laughing or crying.
I almost burst out laughing when I saw what she was wearing.
- 2To suddenly express something, especially a strong emotion, in a loud and uncontrolled way.
‘I hate you!’ Julia suddenly burst out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “burst out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb burst out is to suddenly start laughing or crying, or to suddenly express a strong emotion in a loud and uncontrolled way. It is often used to describe unexpected or spontaneous reactions to situations or events.
What are the different verb forms of “burst out”?
| Root Verb | burst out |
| Third Person Singular Present | bursts out |
| Present Participle | bursting out |
| Simple Past | burst out |
| Past Participle | burst out |
Example
She burst out laughing when she heard the joke.
Example
He bursts out crying whenever he watches a sad movie.
Example
The audience was bursting out in laughter during the comedy show.
Example
She burst out in tears when she heard the news.
Example
He had burst out in anger during the argument.
What kind of phrasal verb is “burst out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“burst out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She burst out laughing at the funny scene.
Example
He burst out crying when he heard the sad news.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“burst out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She burst out laughing at the funny scene.
Example
He burst out crying when he heard the sad news.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “burst out”?
Good things to know
Does “burst out” have an informal or formal tone?
Burst out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, depending on the specific context. For example, it can be used in a formal report to describe a sudden emotional reaction or in a casual conversation to describe a spontaneous outburst of laughter.
