exploded

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "exploded" is a perfectly acceptable and usable word in written English.
For example, you could use the word "exploded" in a sentence like this: "The balloon exploded in a shower of confetti."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Film

Travel

Sports

Arts

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

As hardback sales tumble in the US, falling by 23% in the first half of the year, ebook sales have exploded, increasing by more than 1,000% over the last three years, according to the Association of American Publishers.

The Guardian - Books

Spit it out.' And he said, 'Well, you and Mark… were you just friends?' I exploded with laughter.

The Guardian - Film

The TV was turned to France 2. At work that afternoon a Muslim female colleague exploded with rage and tears about what was happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

They and the six crew members, including Lubitz, were killed instantly when the plane hit the ground and exploded.

The Guardian

"All of a sudden, she kind of exploded and said, 'I want my freedom'...[that] is the phrase that stands out in my mind".

The Guardian

He exploded onto the literary scene with Trainspotting in 1993, and has been proudly in our faces ever since.

The Guardian - Books

The worst of these was on 25 July, when a bomb exploded at the Saint-Michel métro station in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Paris.

The Guardian - Film

Gonzales says she reads everything about what may have happened to the plane: theories it was hijacked, or laden with lithium-ion batteries that exploded, or otherwise succumbed to foul play.

The Guardian

Just as digital technology today has exploded our knowledge of the world so the technology of gravure opened up our Sunday reading.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exploded" to describe a sudden, forceful release of energy or a rapid increase in quantity or scope. Ensure the context is appropriate for the intensity of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "exploded" in situations where a milder term like "increased" or "expanded" would be more appropriate. Using it too broadly can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exploded" is a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of "explode." It describes an action involving a sudden and forceful release of energy, or a rapid increase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Film

3%

Travel

2%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "exploded" functions as a verb indicating a sudden, forceful release or rapid increase. It is grammatically sound, used quite often, and primarily appears in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms "exploded" as valid, emphasizing its widespread acceptance. While versatile, it's best to consider gentler alternatives in scenarios requiring less intensity. When writing or speaking in English, use "exploded" to emphasize sudden, impactful events or growth, as is highlighted in the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detonated

Refers specifically to the setting off of an explosive device, focusing on the action of causing an explosion.

burst

Implies a sudden release of internal pressure, often resulting in a forceful ejection of contents.

erupted

Suggests a sudden and violent outbreak, similar to a volcano.

blew up

Informal way of saying "exploded", often used in casual conversation.

mushroomed

Indicates a rapid growth or expansion, often unexpectedly.

skyrocketed

Suggests a very rapid and significant increase in amount or value.

surged

Implies a sudden and powerful increase or rush.

ballooned

Similar to mushroomed, it describes an increase in size.

flared up

Suggests a sudden burst of activity or intensity.

spiraled

Implies a rapid and uncontrolled increase, often in a negative way.

FAQs

How can I use "exploded" in a sentence?

You can use "exploded" to describe a sudden burst or increase, such as "The bomb exploded", or "The popularity of online games exploded after the pandemic".

What are some synonyms for "exploded"?

Alternatives to "exploded" include "detonated", "burst", "erupted", and "blew up". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the market exploded"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "the market exploded" is often used to describe a rapid and significant increase in market activity or value. It's a metaphorical use of "exploded", implying a sudden and forceful expansion.

What's the difference between "exploded" and "imploded"?

"Exploded" refers to a sudden bursting outward, while "imploded" refers to a sudden collapsing inward. They are opposite actions. For example, a bomb explodes, but a poorly constructed building might implode.