blast

USAGE SUMMARY

'blast' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun ("He had a blast at the party") or as a verb ("She blasted the music") to indicate having fun or creating an explosive sound.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Lifestyle

Music

Film

Books

Tech

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was brilliant for Roy Hodgson's side in their run to the Europa League final in 2010 – a 20-yard blast in a win over Shakhtar Donetsk summed up how influential Zamora was for them during those heady days – and his form convinced Fabio Capello to give him his first England cap.

The Guardian - Sport

First, an elegant en pointe sashay through a bemused defence was crowned with a composed, artful finish – "what a good goal", said the commentator – and then a beautifully placed left-foot blast was deposited into the far corner from outside the box - "what a good goal", said the commentator.

The Guardian - Sport

Riyazaat Ali, a 27-year-old Hazara student who has fled Quetta for the port city of Karachi, a jumping-off point for many refugees, told Guardian Australia that the Australian government's decision was "worse than the biggest bomb blast".

The Guardian

Which was just as well because I was woken at dawn each day by a horn blast nearby.

The Guardian - Travel

She forwarded distressing video purporting to show the aftermath of the blast showed a child a with a wound to her eye being carried at the scene.

The Guardian

And the fact that, a few years after that, he'd blow up his evil dad on an oil rig the same day that an entire American city was destroyed by a nuclear blast cheapened it irreparably.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're living in the time of a TV on the internet arms race, and Amazon signing Woody Allen is like a nuclear blast across the other network's bows.

The Guardian - Film

The blast of frigid air sent temperatures plunging as far south as the Texas panhandle, where balmy 70-degree weather fell into the teens overnight.

The Guardian

I know exactly which mirrors in my house are soothingly cast in silvery shadow, and which cause me to bolt past, eyes averted from the blast of capillary-exposing reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a blast from the past, former Rhode Island governor and senator Lincoln Chafee announced a presidential run on Wednesday.

The Guardian

Simon Mayo informs us Itch "had caused explosions before", as our eponymous hero knocks himself out in a phosphorous-related bedroom blast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blast" to describe an enjoyable experience, ensure the context is informal and appropriate for the audience. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "enjoyable time" or "positive experience".

Common error

Avoid using "blast" in professional or academic writing when referring to an explosion or strong criticism. Opt for more formal synonyms such as "explosion", "detonation", or "harsh reprimand" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "blast" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it typically refers to an explosion or a sudden, forceful emission. As a verb, it signifies the act of exploding or forcefully emitting something. Ludwig AI validates its multiple roles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Music

7%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "blast" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can refer to an explosion, a gust of wind, a loud noise, or, informally, a great time. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports of explosions to informal descriptions of enjoyable experiences. While generally correct, it's important to consider the context and audience when using "blast", especially in formal settings where more precise or professional synonyms might be more appropriate. The provided examples from Ludwig showcase the word's diverse applications and common usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explosion

Focuses specifically on the destructive or forceful aspect.

detonation

Emphasizes the act of causing something to explode.

eruption

Highlights a sudden and forceful release or outbreak.

outburst

Implies a sudden release of emotion or energy.

gust

Refers to a sudden rush of wind or air.

bang

Focuses on the sudden, loud noise.

a great time

Emphasizes the enjoyable experience.

damnation

Expresses strong disapproval or anger.

attack

Highlights a sudden, forceful action.

onslaught

Implies a fierce or destructive attack.

FAQs

How can I use "blast" in a sentence?

You can use "blast" as a noun, like in "The "blast" damaged several buildings", or as a verb, as in "They "blasted the music" all night long".

What are some synonyms for "blast" when referring to an explosion?

Alternatives include "explosion", "detonation", or "eruption", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "blast" in formal writing?

While "blast" can be used informally to mean a great time, in formal writing it's best to reserve it for its literal meaning (explosion) or for strong criticism. Using alternatives like "enjoyable time" or "severe reprimand" might be more suitable in professional contexts.

What's the difference between "blast" and "explosion"?

"Blast" can refer to a sudden gust of wind, a loud noise, or a great time, whereas "explosion" typically refers to a violent bursting or expansion with a loud report. The term "blast" can be more versatile, depending on the context.