a lone bomber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lone bomber" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an individual who carries out a bombing act alone, often in the context of discussions about terrorism or criminal activities. Example: "The investigation revealed that a lone bomber was responsible for the attack, acting without any accomplices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The size of the blast and the number of casualties was unusually large for a lone bomber, and the authorities were still investigating the circumstances.

The New York Times

Tamilnet.com -- a Web site that often carries the views of the Tiger leadership -- reported the incident as a spontaneous act by a lone bomber.

The New York Times

NBC, whose Tom Brokaw had told audiences that the FBI "probably have enough evidence to arrest"; CNN, which had used a psychologist to announce that Jewell fitted the profile of a "lone bomber"; and the New York Post, which called him a "fat, failed former sheriff's deputy", all settled out of court.

The Guardian

The Olympic flame was movingly lit by Muhammad Ali, and two people died when a lone bomber set off a device in Centennial Olympic Park.

BBC

Accounts of the attack still vary widely, with eyewitnesses saying two suicide bombers were responsible, and security forces pinning the blame on a lone bomber, who was disguised as a woman.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The target of the lone bomber was a group of VIPs who had gathered at the entrance of the mosque in Laghman.

Independent

The lone bomber carrying an improvised explosive device also died at the scene, though it remains unclear whether he was working alone.

Vice

Local news media had quoted witnesses as saying that a lone suicide bomber drove into the church and detonated the explosive.

The New York Times

Vincent J. Heintz and his men were trying to quell an unruly demonstration by a group of Iraqi villagers when a lone suicide bomber rushed the crowd.

The New York Times

This was the result of a lone suicide bomber, identified later as Nael Abu Hilail, a 23-year-old living in the nearby Palestinian city of Bethlehem.

The New York Times

The Pakistani police have said that a grenade caused the first, smaller explosion on Thursday night, and that a lone suicide bomber caused the second, larger blast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a lone bomber", ensure the context clearly establishes that the individual acted without accomplices or external support. This clarifies the scope and nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "a lone bomber" when there's evidence of broader organizational involvement; this phrase implies sole responsibility and should only be used when that's demonstrably true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lone bomber" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and describe an individual who carries out a bombing independently. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is predominantly used in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lone bomber" is used to describe an individual who executes a bombing independently. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly appears in news and media contexts. It serves to communicate that the action was carried out by an individual, without assistance or direction from a larger group. While grammatically sound, the term is relatively rare. When using the phrase, ensure factual accuracy by confirming the bomber acted entirely alone. Alternatives such as "a solitary bomber" or "an individual bomber" may be considered depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solitary bomber

Replaces 'lone' with 'solitary', emphasizing the isolated nature of the bomber.

an individual bomber

Uses 'individual' instead of 'lone', focusing on the person rather than their isolation.

a single bomber

Substitutes 'lone' with 'single', highlighting the lack of accomplices.

an independent bomber

Replaces 'lone' with 'independent', stressing the self-reliant nature of the act.

a one-person bombing operation

Expresses the concept using a more descriptive phrase.

a solo bomber

Uses 'solo' to indicate the bomber acted alone.

a self-directed bomber

Emphasizes that the bomber planned and executed the act on their own.

an unaccompanied bomber

Highlights the absence of any partners or support in the bombing.

a lone wolf bomber

Adds 'wolf' to further emphasize the isolation and independent nature.

an isolated bomber

Highlights the bomber's detachment from any group or network.

FAQs

What does "a lone bomber" mean?

The term "a lone bomber" refers to an individual who carries out a bombing attack without any known accomplices or external support. It signifies that the person acted independently in planning and executing the act.

What are some synonyms for "a lone bomber"?

Alternatives include "a solitary bomber", "an individual bomber", or "a single bomber". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a lone bomber" in formal writing?

Yes, the term "a lone bomber" is appropriate for use in formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic analyses, and official statements, as long as it accurately reflects the individual's independent action.

How can I avoid misusing the term "a lone bomber"?

Ensure that there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that the bomber acted alone. If there's any indication of collaboration or external influence, it's more accurate to use broader terms like "bomber" or "attacker."