bombs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bombs" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in discussions about military, explosives, or metaphorically to describe something that fails spectacularly. Example: "The military dropped several bombs during the operation, targeting enemy positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The strain is likely to grow more acute as the government depends on helicopter gunships to extend its reach to parts of the country rendered impassable to logistics convoys and even armored vehicles by the rebels' improvised bombs.

The New York Times

While bombs did some damage, they did nothing compared with a disastrous postwar planner, Rowland Nicholas, who sought to demolish much of the city – even the town hall – to rebuild a socialist utopia.

The Guardian

On Friday, two bombs exploded at an election rally in Diyarbakir, killing three and wounding hundreds of others.

The Guardian

Senior security officials conceded last night that it is likely no one will be brought to justice for the 7 July bombs that killed 52 people in London in 2005, despite their belief that more than 20 people were involved in the attacks.

The Guardian

Bombs planted by rebels exploded at a school building occupied by security forces and pro-government militias in Damascus, activists and rebels said.

The Guardian

Jones told Turnbull that because he had had dinner with Palmer, a trenchant critic of Abbott, "people" were suggesting that "precisely because you have no hope ever of being the leader again – you have got that into your head, no hope ever – that because of that you are happy to chuck a few bombs around that might blow up Abbott a bit, that is what they are saying".

The Guardian

He also suggested that a key element of the UK contribution would be passing on the experience gained during previous operations in Iraq – the last British troops to withdraw from the country left as recently as May 2011 – and also lessons learned during the UK military's 13-year war with the Taliban in Afghanistan where troops dealt routinely with roadside bombs and other explosive devices.

The Guardian

In a federal inspection of the TSA, agents were able to slip five out of seven fake bombs in luggage past security.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they all "played their respective roles" in the plan to make a bomb or bombs, which would be used "to kill or injure citizens of the UK", said Mr Waters.

The Guardian

"If I stay in Italy I am better off going back to Syria to be under the bombs of Assad," he says.

The Guardian

"What keeps you motivated to fight and go on?" Referring to barrel bombs widely used in Syria, he replies: "When you see a little girl killed by barrels or an old man crying cuz his house was bombed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "bombs", be specific about the type of bomb if possible (e.g., "car bombs", "barrel bombs", "improvised explosive devices") to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bombs" as a generic term for all types of explosions. Differentiate between "bombs", "grenades", "mines", and other explosives for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bombs" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple explosive devices. Ludwig examples show its usage in sentences describing attacks, military actions, and historical events. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bombs" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting explosive devices frequently discussed in "News & Media". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in English. When using "bombs", it's important to be specific about the type of device and consider the sensitivity of the topic. Alternatives such as "explosive devices" or "incendiary weapons" can provide more precise descriptions. As evidenced by the examples found on Ludwig, the term is most commonly used to report on conflicts and security matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explosive devices

Refers specifically to the technical nature of the items, emphasizing their function.

incendiary weapons

Highlights the fire-causing aspect of certain types of "bombs".

detonating explosives

Emphasizes the action of exploding rather than the device itself.

aerial explosives

Specifies that the explosives are delivered from the air.

destructive charges

Focuses on the damaging capability of the devices.

ordnance

A more formal and general term for military explosives.

explosive munitions

A technical term emphasizing the military application.

improvised explosive devices

Refers to homemade bombs, often used in asymmetric warfare.

explosive projectiles

Highlights the motion and impact of the explosives.

high explosives

Focuses on the power and intensity of the explosives.

FAQs

How are "bombs" typically used in sentences?

"Bombs" are commonly used to describe explosive devices used in attacks or warfare. They can be subjects (e.g., "Bombs exploded in the city center") or objects (e.g., "The army deployed bombs").

What are some alternatives to "bombs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "explosive devices", "incendiary weapons", or "destructive charges".

What is the difference between "bombs" and "explosives"?

"Explosives" is a general term for substances that can detonate, while "bombs" refers to constructed devices designed to explode and cause damage. Bombs are a specific type of explosive.

In what contexts is the term "bombs" most frequently used?

The term "bombs" is frequently used in "news and media" reports, military discussions, and historical accounts of conflicts and warfare. Be aware of the sensitivity of the topic.