capable of exploding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of exploding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the potential to explode, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The old gas canister was still capable of exploding if not handled properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The official said those three devices appeared to be capable of exploding and causing injuries.

The Washington Post

ROLE PLAYER 2. Michael Bush (OAK, 27) Bush is capable of exploding for 150 yards, but he proved down the stretch last season that he is best used as the thunderous complement to a lightning runner.

The New York Times

The European sovereign debt crisis may have receded from its dominant position in the headlines, but it remains a global flash point, capable of exploding at a moment's notice.

The New York Times

But bomb technicians, who are trained to always treat an unexploded submunition as armed and capable of exploding, say such safety features are inherently unreliable, because mechanical and electronic systems built into the submunitions can and will fail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Why would someone interested in terrifying the public or making a statement send a bomb that might or might not even have been capable of exploding, rather than just sending devices that would actually detonate?

The Washington Post

Taken together, they represent a series of bombs placed at the foundations of our society, and they are capable of exploding in ways that would touch more Americans than anything even the most sophisticated terrorists could devise.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Digital rendering of exploded axon.

Cornell University

Everything kind of exploded.

The Guardian - Music

They were connected in such a way that "each range are exploded at once," thus capable of destroying attacking gunboats approaching in pairs or single file.

The New York Times

* Exploded surface-to-surface rockets capable of carrying a chemical payload were found to contain sarin.

Independent

"While he can be charming and capable of great humor in public, in private he explodes into what some of his underlings call nutters".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation when using "capable of exploding" metaphorically. Ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of exploding" in overly dramatic or vague metaphorical contexts. Instead, opt for more precise language that accurately reflects the intended meaning, such as "likely to collapse" or "at risk of failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of exploding" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its potential for explosion. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of exploding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the potential for something to explode, whether literally or metaphorically. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post often employ it. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of the context and choose more specific language when precision is needed, avoiding overuse in vague metaphorical situations. Alternatives such as "liable to explode" or "prone to detonation" can offer greater nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to explode

This alternative emphasizes the probability or risk of an explosion.

prone to detonation

This alternative is more specific to explosive materials and their tendency to detonate.

with the potential to detonate

This option highlights the inherent potential for detonation, often used in technical contexts.

likely to blow up

This phrase is more informal and emphasizes the action of exploding.

in danger of exploding

This alternative focuses on the imminent risk of an explosion occurring.

volatile and explosive

This option describes something that is both unstable and has the capacity to explode.

unstable and prone to detonation

This alternative highlights instability as a key factor leading to potential detonation.

ready to burst

This phrase is a more metaphorical alternative, suggesting an imminent and forceful release.

about to erupt

Similar to "ready to burst", this suggests a sudden and violent outburst or explosion.

on the verge of detonation

This option emphasizes the imminence and certainty of an explosion.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of exploding" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of exploding" to describe something that has the potential to explode, such as "The unexploded bomb was still "capable of exploding"" or "The political situation was "capable of exploding" into violence".

What are some alternatives to "capable of exploding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "liable to explode", "prone to detonation", or "with the potential to detonate".

Is it appropriate to use "capable of exploding" in formal writing?

Yes, "capable of exploding" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in technical or scientific contexts. However, consider more precise alternatives if greater specificity is required.

What's the difference between "capable of exploding" and "about to explode"?

"Capable of exploding" implies the potential for an explosion, while "about to explode" suggests that an explosion is imminent. The former describes a potential, the latter describes an immediate likelihood.