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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
detonated up
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "detonated up" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as "detonated" typically refers to an explosion, while "up" does not logically follow in this context. Example: "The bomb detonated up in the air, causing a shockwave."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Militant groups from the North Caucasus are suspected of planning the attack in which a bomber detonated up to 7kg (15lb) of TNT.
News & Media
Astronomer Grant Christie -- who, according to Stuff saw the meteor while driving home from an observatory -- estimated that the meteor could have detonated up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) above Earth and traveled about "30 times the speed of a high velocity bullet".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Prosecutors said the three men — Irfan Naseer, 31, Irfan Khalid, 27, and Ashik Ali, 27, all British citizens from the industrial city of Birmingham — planned to detonate up to eight homemade bombs in rucksacks in crowded places, the method used by the four suicide bombers who killed 52 other people on London subway trains and buses in 2005.
News & Media
While many of the scientists who made atom bombs during the cold war became famous, the men who filmed what happened when those bombs were detonated made up a secret corps.
News & Media
A nuclear explosion even when detonated underground sends up a giant electromagnetic pulse that ripples through Earth's ionosphere.
Science & Research
The police theorized that Mr. and Mrs. Overell had been beaten to death, and that a bomb was detonated, blowing up the boat, to cover up the murder.
News & Media
But while she was there, someone taped a small, plastic explosive device to her car, and detonated it, blowing up a large section of the back of the car.
Academia
A boom here or there as soldiers detonated duds, blew up UXO (unexploded ordnance).
News & Media
A suicide bomber detonated a pick-up truck on Wednesday in the Sadr City suburb in the east of the capital, killing at least 15 people.
News & Media
CHRISTMAS celebrations were wrecked for a second year running in Nigeria when a radical Islamist sect detonated bombs that killed up to 40 people and injured dozens more.
News & Media
They remain on the battlefield, in some cases in urban areas, where they can easily be picked up and detonated by children.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "detonated up". Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives such as "exploded" or "blew up" to describe the action of something detonating.
Common error
The word "detonated" already implies an explosive action; adding "up" is typically redundant and can create an awkward phrasing. Focus on describing where or how something detonated rather than adding "up".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "detonated up" functions as a verb phrase attempting to describe an explosive action. However, it is considered grammatically incorrect and its use is not recommended. Ludwig AI notes the phrase is not correct in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Academia
33%
Science
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "detonated up" appears in a limited number of contexts, Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. It's more appropriate to use established alternatives such as "exploded" or "blew up". The phrase's limited and questionable usage results in a 'Rare' frequency rating. It is advisable to use standard English phrasing to ensure clarity and credibility in writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
exploded
This is the simplest and most direct synonym, indicating a rapid expansion in volume associated with an extreme outward release of energy.
blew up
Similar to 'exploded', but often implies a more forceful and destructive event.
went off
A more informal way to describe an explosion, often used for smaller devices or unexpected events.
ignited
Focuses on the start of the explosion through combustion.
erupted
Implies a sudden and violent outbreak or release, like a volcano.
disintegrated
Suggests that the object broke into small parts violently as a result of the detonation.
ruptured
Emphasizes the breaking or bursting open of something due to internal pressure or force.
burst
Indicates a sudden and forceful release or breaking open.
discharged
Often used in technical contexts to describe the release of energy or a substance.
touched off
Suggests initiating an explosion or violent event.
FAQs
What does "detonated up" mean?
How to use "detonated" correctly in a sentence?
Use "detonated" followed by a location or a description of what happened, for example, "The bomb detonated in the city center" or "The device detonated with a loud bang."
What can I say instead of "detonated up"?
Is "detonated up" grammatically correct?
No, "detonated up" is not considered grammatically correct. The word "detonated" already implies an explosion or sudden release of energy, making "up" redundant.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested