about to explode

USAGE SUMMARY

"about to explode" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very close to happening or reaching its limit, often with a sense of urgency or impending danger. Here is an example: "The pressure in the boiler was building rapidly, and the engineers knew that it was about to explode. They quickly shut it down and averted a potential disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This whole region is about to explode.

The New York Times

"That time bomb is now exploding or about to explode".

The New York Times

The concept of a "media channel" is about to explode.

TechCrunch

Is he about to explode?

Vice

Because I'm about to explode".

The New Yorker

It's all about to explode.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's about to explode.

The New York Times

IS KOSOVO finally about to explode?

The Economist

The chamber seemed about to explode.

The New Yorker

"He was about to explode.

The New Yorker

Market capacity was about to explode.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about to explode" to create a sense of urgency or anticipation, whether describing a physical event, an emotional state, or a market trend.

Common error

Avoid using "about to explode" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "on the verge of" or "approaching" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about to explode" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating an imminent state of rapid and forceful release or change. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about to explode" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of imminence and dramatic change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. While effective in creating urgency, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in strictly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "on the verge of" or "ready to burst" to maintain an appropriate tone depending on the writing scenario. Remember to leverage the phrase's descriptive power to add impact, but always with mindful consideration of the audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of blowing up

Uses 'blowing up' to convey the imminence, similar to 'explode'.

on the brink of eruption

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful release, akin to an explosion.

ready to burst

Focuses on the internal pressure leading to an outward release.

at the point of ignition

Suggests a triggering event is imminent, leading to a rapid change.

close to detonating

Highlights the potential for a sudden, destructive release of energy.

nearing the breaking point

Indicates that a limit is being approached, and failure is near.

on the cusp of disaster

Implies that a negative outcome is likely and rapidly approaching.

threatening to erupt

More descriptive and emphasizes a visible or felt tension.

building up to a climax

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity before a significant event.

approaching critical mass

Indicates a point where a small change can trigger a large reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "about to explode" in a sentence?

You can use "about to explode" to describe something that is on the verge of a sudden and forceful release or change. For example, "The market is about to explode with new innovations."

What are some alternatives to "about to explode"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of", "on the brink of", or "ready to burst". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "about to explode" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "about to explode" might be too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "poised to expand" or "expected to surge".

Can "about to explode" be used in a literal sense?

Yes, "about to explode" can be used literally to describe something that is physically close to exploding, such as "The bomb was about to explode". It can also be used figuratively to describe situations or emotions.