a double bomb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a double bomb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe something that has a significant impact or effect, often in a negative or explosive manner. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was a double bomb, affecting both employees and investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

On Friday, a double bomb attack in a Nairobi market left 10 people dead and scores wounded.

The Guardian

The latest attacks also came two days after a double bomb blast that killed at least 15 people and wounded 55.

The New York Times

On Saturday, the toll from a double bomb attack conducted on Friday against minority Shiites in Parachinar, a tribal town west of Peshawar, climbed to 57 dead and at least 167 wounded, the authorities said.

The New York Times

1980s: Dallas was famous for its cliffhangers, the most notorious being that time Pam Ewing woke up and discovered an entire series – a series that included a double bomb plot to blow JR to smithereens – had all been her dream.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A8 Bombings in Afghanistan Kill 17 As many as 17 people were killed and dozens wounded, eight of them children, in a double bomb blast in Kandahar, local officials said.

The New York Times

As many as 17 people were killed and dozens injured, many of them children, in a double bomb blast in the southern city of Kandahar on Tuesday, local officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Several bombings were in Jerusalem: a double bombing that killed 11 in Zion Square in December 2001; a blast that killed 12 at the Moment Cafe, near the prime minister's residence, in March 2002; and a bombing at Hebrew University that killed nine in July 2002.

The New York Times

A double bombing at a Sunni funeral in Baghdad killed 14 people on Monday, officials said.

The New York Times

A double bombing in Bombay that killed more than 50 people in August also raised tensions.

The New York Times

Five were killed in a double bombing in Sang in that all but put their platoon out of action.

The Economist

The attack came not long after a double bombing in the city's main market, killing traders and commuters alike.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a double bomb", ensure the context clearly indicates two separate explosive events. This phrase is often used in news reports to describe terrorist attacks or military actions involving multiple detonations.

Common error

Avoid using "a double bomb" to describe a single, very large explosion. The phrase implies two distinct events, not the intensity of a single one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double bomb" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a specific type of explosive event. Ludwig AI suggests it's usable in written English. Examples show it being used to describe attacks in news reports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double bomb" is a noun phrase predominantly used in news and media to describe incidents involving two explosions. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its purpose is to inform, and the register is generally neutral. While not extremely common, it's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring it refers to two distinct explosive events, not just a single, large blast. Related phrases like "twin bombings" or "dual explosions" can offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pair of bombs

Emphasizes the quantity (two) of bombs involved.

dual explosions

Focuses on the explosive event occurring twice.

twin bombings

Highlights the synchronous or closely timed nature of the bombings.

a coordinated bomb attack

Indicates a planned and synchronized bombing event.

a secondary explosion

Suggests one bomb followed by another, possibly targeting first responders.

back-to-back blasts

Implies a rapid succession of explosions.

successive detonations

Highlights the sequential nature of the explosions in a more formal tone.

a follow-up bombing

Indicates a second bombing that occurs after an initial one, possibly related.

repeated bombing

Emphasizes the act of bombing happening more than once.

multiple bomb attacks

Broadens the scope to include more than two attacks, but related.

FAQs

How is "a double bomb" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a double bomb" is often used to describe a scenario where two bombs explode, usually in close succession or in a coordinated manner, such as in "a double bomb attack".

What are some alternatives to using "a double bomb"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "twin bombings", "dual explosions", or "a coordinated bomb attack".

Is it more accurate to say "a double bomb attack" or "a double bombing"?

"A double bomb attack" and "a double bombing" are both acceptable, but "a double bomb attack" more explicitly describes an act of aggression, while "a double bombing" refers to the event.

What distinguishes "a double bomb" from "a bomb" in news reporting?

While "a bomb" refers to a single explosive device, "a double bomb" specifies two separate detonations, which might suggest a more complex or coordinated attack. The use of the qualifier "double" can also imply increased severity or impact.