it was detonated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was detonated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explosive device that has been set off or exploded. Example: "The old building was deemed unsafe, so it was detonated to make way for new construction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It was detonated with C-4 plastic explosive inserted into its base.

The New York Times

Today it was detonated, as it were.

The Economist

On November 21st it was detonated, as it were.

The Economist

Some said it was detonated remotely; others said a bomber was riding it.

The New York Times

We don't know yet if it was detonated by a timer or by remote control".

The New York Times

It was detonated remotely as Sergeant Oregon's truck passed over it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A nuclear warhead missing since 1973 turns up in present-day Baltimore, where it is detonated by terrorists and destroys much of the city.

The New York Times

Depending upon where it is detonated it could kill as many as 6 million people, in one of the world's most populous cities. Weapons exist on a continuum.

The New York Times

As things stand now, they said, Times Square is vulnerable to a massive truck bomb, a favorite of terrorists that could well cause hundreds of deaths, particularly if it were detonated as crowds lined up for Broadway shows.

The New York Times

First, a mountain is deforested and then it is detonated spewing lead, mercury, and arsenic into the air.

Huffington Post

When the taxi got to the police station the bombs inside it were detonated, killing the two police officers and two suspects inside the vehicle.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event involving an explosion, use "it was detonated" to convey a sense of controlled or deliberate action, especially when the method of detonation is known or implied.

Common error

While "it was detonated" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice. Sometimes, active voice can make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "the bomb was detonated by the terrorist", consider "the terrorist detonated the bomb".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was detonated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (typically an explosive) was caused to explode. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in describing planned explosions and terrorist attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was detonated" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the action of something being exploded. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki articles, indicating a neutral register suitable for factual reporting. While the phrase is effective, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy of the phrase, providing a range of examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it exploded

Direct synonym, focusing on the action of exploding.

it was set off

Focuses on the act of initiating the explosion.

it was triggered

Implies a specific mechanism or event caused the detonation.

it went off

More informal way of saying it exploded.

it blew up

Informal and emphasizes the force of the explosion.

it was ignited

Highlights the starting of a fire or explosion.

it was discharged

More formal, suggesting a release of energy.

it was initiated

Focuses on the commencement of the explosion process.

it was touched off

Similar to "set off" but slightly less common.

the explosion occurred

A more descriptive and less direct way of stating the event.

FAQs

What does "it was detonated" mean?

The phrase "it was detonated" means that something, typically an explosive device, was intentionally caused to explode or set off.

What can I say instead of "it was detonated"?

You can use alternatives like "it exploded", "it was set off", or "it blew up" depending on the context.

Is "it was detonated" passive or active voice?

"It was detonated" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be something like "someone detonated it".

How to use "it was detonated" in a sentence?

You can use "it was detonated" to describe the action of something being exploded. For example, "The bomb squad confirmed that "it was detonated" remotely."