exploded on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exploded on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event where something detonates or bursts apart while in contact with the ground. Example: "The fireworks exploded on the ground, creating a dazzling display of colors and sounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There the bomb exploded on the ground, killing three airport employees who hadn't been planning to fly anywhere at all.

The New Yorker

In 2007, the propellant system of a SpaceShipTwo craft exploded on the ground during a flow test, killing three mechanics and injuring three more.

The Economist

Even the incendiaries were different – not metre-long sticks, but four-ton objects that exploded on the ground, incinerating anything within a radius of 200ft – and raining down with these came more blockbusters, 10-tonners this time.

Independent

A witness, identified only as Irina, said on the "Russia Today" television program that the plane seemed to be out of control before it crashed and exploded on the ground.

The New York Times

Leonie Jean-Julien, 52, a seamstress in the women's store, was working at Printemps in December 1985 when Hezbollah bombs exploded on the ground floor there and in the Galeries Lafayette department store.

The New York Times

Fifteen flights were made in the first quarter of 1945, although the rocket exploded on the ground on 12 May.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Dahboo's primary evidence for this is a series of dashcam videos that show MH17 exploding on the ground, not in the air.

The Washington Post

("How many movies, how many cartoons have you watched and seen a plane go down?" he demands, apparently assuming that cartoon plane-crashes always follow the laws of physics). Aviation experts actually say the plane would explode on the ground if the missile hit it at any point besides the fuselage.

The Washington Post

In response to a question about whether the company should be worrying about colonizing the solar system when its rockets are still exploding on the ground, Musk was conciliatory.

TechCrunch

Note that this technique is also sometimes used to increase a grenade's effectiveness against bunkers or other fortified emplacements — in these cases, having the grenade explode in the air above the target can be preferable to having it explode on the ground.[13].[13]

WikiHow

When "flash-bangs" exploded on the forecourt, a bit like a ground-level firework display, designed to move people on, we drove down a side street as the crowd ran towards us.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exploded on the ground", ensure the context clearly indicates what object or substance is exploding and the reason for the explosion, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "exploded on the ground" metaphorically unless it accurately conveys a sudden and forceful impact or failure. Overusing it can dilute its descriptive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exploded on the ground" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a verb complement within a sentence. It specifies the location and manner of an explosion. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exploded on the ground" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to depict the event of something exploding upon contact with the surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-regarded. While fairly common, it isn't ubiquitous, primarily appearing in news, general descriptions, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, make sure to clarify what exactly exploded and what caused the explosion for best clarity. Alternatives such as "detonated on the ground" or "burst on the ground" may offer slight differences in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detonated on the ground

Replaces "exploded" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the meaning of a ground-level detonation.

burst on the ground

Substitutes "exploded" with "burst", suggesting a sudden release of energy or contents on the ground.

blew up on the ground

Uses the phrasal verb "blew up" to replace "exploded", providing a more informal alternative.

erupted on the ground

Emphasizes a forceful and sudden outburst or explosion occurring on the ground.

ignited upon impact

Focuses on the cause of the explosion, specifying that it happened due to impact with the ground.

combusted on the ground

A more technical or scientific term for burning rapidly with the production of heat and light on the ground.

disintegrated on the ground

Highlights the result of the explosion, focusing on the shattering or breaking apart of something on the ground.

fragmented upon landing

Emphasizes the scattering of pieces as a result of an impact and explosion upon reaching the ground.

ruptured on the surface

Implies a forceful breaking open of something on the ground.

scattered after the blast

Describes the aftermath of an explosion on the ground, where debris and fragments are dispersed.

FAQs

How can I use "exploded on the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "exploded on the ground" to describe a literal explosion that happened on the surface, for instance, "The bomb "exploded on the ground", causing widespread damage."

What are some alternatives to "exploded on the ground"?

Alternatives include "detonated on the ground", "burst on the ground", or "blew up on the ground", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it more accurate to say "exploded in the air" or "exploded on the ground"?

The choice depends on where the explosion occurred. "Exploded in the air" indicates the explosion happened mid-air, while "exploded on the ground" means it detonated upon contact with the surface.

What's the difference between "exploded on the ground" and "detonated on the ground"?

"Detonated on the ground"/"detonated on the ground" is generally a more formal way of saying "exploded on the ground"/"exploded on the ground", both implying a forceful and rapid release of energy. Detonate often refers specifically to explosives.