Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse writers. I have found the following to be among them:
BUSTED / BURST
The common misuse here is substitution of the word busted to mean burst. Perhaps the confusion lies in similar definitions for these two verbs (bust, busted, busted versus burst, burst, burst) that involve the use of force. Something that has been busted has been smashed to pieces or broken, often beyond repair, by force. Things that burst break open or apart due to impact or pressure from within.
INCORRECT: My brother fell off his bike and burst his watch on the concrete.
CORRECT: My brother fell off his bike and busted his watch on the concrete.
INCORRECT: We watched in amazement as the eggs busted open and baby chicks appeared.
CORRECT: We watched in amazement as the eggs burst open and baby chicks appeared.
ALSO CORRECT: The fireman busted down the door in order to save people trapped inside the room.
ALSO CORRECT: The police burst through the door just as gunfire was exchanged.
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