a bombshell

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bombshell" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something shocking or unexpected, often news or information. Example sentence: The surprise announcement of the merger was a bombshell for the company's employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A bombshell".

The New Yorker

This was hardly a bombshell.

The Economist

Basically, drop a bombshell.

The Guardian

"It's a bombshell.

The Guardian

Here Mr Gingrich dropped a bombshell.

The Economist

In that respect, Chauvet was a bombshell.

The New Yorker

It was a bombshell, in its way.

The Economist

Then Snowden delivered a bombshell.

The Guardian

"She's a bombshell," he says.

The New York Times - Arts

Then he dropped a bombshell.

The New York Times

But Obama landed a bombshell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bombshell" to introduce something unexpected and attention-grabbing in your writing. It's particularly effective when preceding a major revelation or significant development.

Common error

Avoid using "a bombshell" for minor surprises or trivial announcements. Its impact diminishes if applied too frequently or to insignificant events. Save it for truly significant revelations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bombshell" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or direct object. It denotes something that has a sudden and significant impact, similar to a literal explosion, bringing unexpected and often disruptive news or revelation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bombshell" is a widely used phrase to describe a piece of shocking or unexpected news, primarily used in the context of "News & Media". It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the significance and impact of the information being conveyed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it’s best used for truly significant revelations and avoided in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a shocking revelation" or "a startling disclosure" can be used for a similar effect, tailoring to different levels of formality. When choosing to write using "a bombshell", remember it will highlight unexpected, disruptive and often significant information to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shocking revelation

Emphasizes the surprise and unveiling of previously unknown information.

a startling disclosure

Focuses on the act of making something known that was previously secret.

a thunderclap

Metaphorically suggests a sudden and impactful event.

a rude awakening

Highlights the unpleasant and surprising nature of the discovery.

an earth-shattering event

Emphasizes the dramatic and transformative nature of the occurrence.

a game changer

Indicates that the event significantly alters the existing situation or strategy.

a bolt from the blue

Stresses the unexpected and sudden nature of the event.

a seismic shift

Implies a major and lasting change in a system or situation.

a surprise twist

Highlights the unexpected turn of events, particularly in a narrative context.

an unexpected shock

Directly emphasizes the element of surprise and the emotional impact.

FAQs

How can I use "a bombshell" in a sentence?

You can use "a bombshell" to describe surprising or shocking news. For example, "The announcement of the CEO's resignation was "a bombshell" for the company."

What can I say instead of "a bombshell"?

You can use alternatives like "a shocking revelation", "a startling disclosure", or "a thunderclap" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a bombshell" in formal writing?

While "a bombshell" is widely understood, it may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "a significant development" or "an unexpected event" in those cases.

What's the difference between "a bombshell" and "a surprise"?

"A surprise" is a general term for something unexpected, while "a bombshell" implies something more shocking, impactful, and often negative. "A surprise" can be pleasant, but "a bombshell" usually carries a sense of disruption or upheaval.