blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'blow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean to 'move with force like an explosion or gust of air', or to mean 'to hit or punch someone or something'. For example: The wind blew hard against the trees, making them sway in the storm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This would have suggested that although PRO 2000 was not a complete answer, it might be a useful part of the armoury.The dashing of that hope is a real blow, but there are other approaches to vaginal microbicides.

The Economist

"I know that that this means to offer the right hand of friendship to keep the left hand free to deliver the knockout blow to break Britain apart.

The Guardian

If the court were to rule the law unconstitutional when it issues its decision in June, it could prove a significant blow to Obama's re-election campaign by striking down his most important piece of legislation and bolstering conservative opposition.

The Guardian

Still, at least now they have a big pile of money to blow up and shoot guns around.

The Guardian - Film

The facts of the actual strike are jettisoned in favour of a ticking-clock climax whereby Scargill/Pacino must race to parliament on a motorbike and make a tear-jerking speech before the miners blow up Sellafield.

The Guardian - Film

The prime minister tried to move the focus to Miliband after Reckless, whose defection from the Conservatives triggered the byelection, inflicted a humiliating blow.

The Guardian

The Tories sought to portray the result as a blow to Labour, which held the seat until 2010 on different boundaries.

The Guardian

It has taken the high court to blow the lid on this government's secrecy.

The Guardian

Or, to be specific, blow kisses at my daughter, who grew fabulously adept at blowing them back and basking in her newfound glory as the only natural blonde on the island.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yemen says it has foiled an al-Qaida plot to blow up oil pipelines and seize some of the country's main ports, but security remains tight and hundreds of armoured vehicles have been deployed to protect key targets.

The Guardian

In a particular blow to Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, and Richard Burr, the intelligence committee chairman, the Senate rejected a series of amendments that were designed to weaken the surveillance and transparency reforms contained in the USA Freedom Act.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about wind and storms, choose more vivid synonyms of "blow" to enhance your writing, for instance use words such as "gale", "blast" or "gust".

Common error

Avoid using "blow" casually when a more precise verb would better convey your intended meaning. Overusing "blow" can weaken your writing; vary your vocabulary for impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blow" is as a verb, denoting the act of expelling air forcefully, or, in a figurative sense, to ruin or waste something. Ludwig AI identifies its usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blow" is a versatile word with diverse applications, ranging from literal descriptions of wind to figurative expressions of failure or revelation. Its grammatical correctness is undisputed, as confirmed by Ludwig. However, its formality varies, requiring careful consideration of context. As highlighted by Ludwig, authoritative sources like The Guardian frequently employ "blow" in news and media, while other contexts demand alternative phrasing for enhanced clarity or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puff

Implies a short, quick burst of air.

exhale

Focuses specifically on the act of breathing out, omitting the forceful nature.

explode

Focuses on the act of bursting violently, rather than a general emission of air.

propel

Highlights the action of moving something forward using air or force, rather than the air itself.

boast

Highlights the act of speaking with excessive pride.

squander

Emphasizes wasting something recklessly, specifically money or opportunity.

spoil

Indicates ruining or damaging something, often an opportunity.

fellate

Refers to a specific sexual act.

leave

Emphasizes the act of departing a place or situation.

broadcast

Emphasizes disseminating information widely.

FAQs

How can "blow" be used as a noun?

As a noun, "blow" can refer to a strong wind, a forceful hit, or a damaging event. For example, "The storm brought a fierce "gust" of wind" or "Losing the contract was a major "setback" for the company".

What does it mean to "blow the whistle"?

To "blow the whistle" means to expose wrongdoing or illegal activities, especially within an organization. It implies revealing secret or unethical behavior to the public or authorities.

When is it appropriate to use "blow" in a sexual context?

The use of "blow" in a sexual context (referring to fellatio) is highly informal and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. Alternatives should be used in polite company.

What are some formal alternatives to "blow up"?

In more formal contexts, instead of "blow up", consider using phrases such as "detonate", "explode", or "demolish" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.