blown up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blown up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean either literally "exploded" or figuratively "enlarged" or "amplified". For example: The story of my aunt's disastrous date was blown up into a sensationalized tale of epic proportions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Pythons blown up with dynamite!

The New York Times - Arts

"The violence blown up, the language blown up.

The New Yorker

Pipelines can be blown up by terrorists.

The Economist

A bus has blown up in Jerusalem.

The New Yorker

Everything was blown up," Maj.

The New York Times

He wanted Venice blown up.

The New York Times - Books

Stomachs blown up like balloons.

The Guardian - Travel

Pigpen got blown up... again.

The New York Times

You've blown up their planet.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But that's all blown up and fragmented.

The New Yorker

They have been blown up very large.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "blown up" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates exaggeration rather than literal explosion. For instance, "The small disagreement was blown up into a major conflict" clarifies the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "blown up" in contexts where the reader might misinterpret your intended meaning. If describing an explosion, be explicit about the cause to avoid ambiguity. If describing exaggeration, use clarifying phrases to signal the figurative intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blown up" primarily functions as a past participle of the phrasal verb "blow up". It describes a state resulting from an action, such as something having been detonated or something having been made larger or more significant. Ludwig provides examples of both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blown up" is a versatile expression with both literal and figurative meanings. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It can describe something that has exploded or been exaggerated. While generally neutral in tone, context is key to understanding its intended meaning. Examples from Ludwig showcase its frequent use in "News & Media", alongside other categories. When writing, be mindful of potential ambiguity and ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretations. Its usage is very common across many authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploded

Focuses on the literal act of bursting apart violently.

detonated

Emphasizes the setting off of an explosive device.

demolished

Highlights the complete destruction of a structure.

exaggerated

Shifts the meaning to overemphasizing or magnifying a detail.

amplified

Suggests an increase in intensity or volume, often used figuratively.

inflated

Implies an increase in size or importance, sometimes artificially.

razed

Specifically means to completely destroy a building or area.

torn apart

Describes a forceful separation or destruction into pieces.

wrecked

Indicates severe damage or destruction.

ruptured

Refers to a sudden break or burst, often under pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "blown up" in a sentence?

You can use "blown up" literally, such as "The building was "blown up" by a bomb", or figuratively, such as "The issue was "blown up" by the media".

What can I say instead of "blown up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exploded", "exaggerated", or "demolished".

Is it correct to say something was "blown up out of proportion"?

Yes, saying something was "blown up out of proportion" is a common idiom that means it was exaggerated or made more important than it actually was.

What's the difference between "blown up" and "exploded"?

"Exploded" typically refers to a sudden, violent burst, while ""blown up"" can refer to either a literal explosion or a figurative exaggeration or enlargement.