The phrasal verb "burst into" is predominantly used in informal speech, though it can appear in formal contexts when vivid imagery is needed. Commonly, it is followed by nouns such as "tears," "laughter," or "flames," indicating a sudden, often involuntary, onset of an emotion or event. For example, someone might "burst into tears" when overwhelmed with emotion, or a room could "burst into flames" due to a rapid and unexpected fire. This phrasal verb is often employed to convey intensity and immediacy, making it useful in narrative descriptions or to add dramatic flair. Despite its vividness, "burst into" tends to be straightforward and is well understood across various contexts, making it versatile in both spoken and written English.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To suddenly begin producing a particular effect, such as noise, movement, or emotion, often abruptly and forcefully.
She burst into tears upon hearing the sad news.
The audience burst into applause after the performance.