it would be explosive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be explosive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that is likely to cause a strong reaction or significant impact, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "If the two rival teams meet in the finals, it would be explosive, with tensions running high and fans on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It would be explosive".

Independent

It would be explosive if high pay continued to be seen as a swindle.

The Economist

But it would be explosive with Pakistani public opinion for the government to be seen as cooperating with the United States on the identities of Pakistani passengers.

The New York Times

She read the finished column to Geffen, the book said, warned him it would be explosive and asked if he wanted to take back anything.

The New York Times

She said she did not read the column to him, warn him that it would be explosive or ask if he wanted to take back his words, and she did not attend the Hollywood fund-raising event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was understood at once that such a change would be explosive; Senator Trent Lott, the former Majority Leader, came up with "nuclear option," and the term stuck.

The New Yorker

"That would be explosive".

The New York Times

You'd think a play about riots, race, rape, the late 1960s, murder and jazz would be explosive.

The New York Times

Like Moshe Ya'alon, Horowitz warned that, if the Haredim were pushed into the army, the result would be explosive.

The Guardian

If she is asking questions of the home secretary, it's not difficult to imagine that she is asking questions of the chancellor the exchequer, like why isn't the deficit going down, which would be explosive," said Smith.

The Guardian

"How then, can we be indifferent to the same effect in chemicals that we disseminate widely in our environment?" Carson and her publisher, Houghton Mifflin, knew that such comparisons would be explosive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be explosive" when you want to convey a high degree of impact or a sudden, intense reaction to a situation or event. Be mindful of the context to ensure the metaphor is appropriate and avoid overuse for trivial matters.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be explosive" in contexts where the impact is minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its effect and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Consider more nuanced language to describe less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be explosive" functions as a predictive statement, indicating a high potential for a situation to become volatile or cause a significant reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political scenarios to interpersonal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would be explosive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation likely to cause a strong reaction or significant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from news, media, and other sources. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overusing the metaphor, as overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "it could be devastating" or "it might spark outrage" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for highlighting the potential for a situation to become volatile or controversial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be devastating

This alternative suggests a more negative and destructive outcome, emphasizing the potential for ruin.

it might be catastrophic

This phrase emphasizes the potential for a large-scale disaster or calamitous event.

it could be tumultuous

This alternative suggests a state of unrest or disturbance, highlighting the chaotic nature of the situation.

it might be sensational

This option indicates a situation causing great public interest and excitement, focusing on the dramatic aspect.

it could ignite a firestorm

This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to convey the idea of a sudden and intense outbreak of anger or controversy.

it might spark outrage

This option directly focuses on the potential for causing widespread anger and disapproval.

it could trigger a backlash

This alternative highlights the potential for a strong negative reaction or opposition.

it would create uproar

This phrase suggests a situation causing a lot of public protest and disturbance.

it would cause a sensation

This alternative emphasizes the capacity to generate widespread excitement and attention.

it might set off a chain reaction

This phrase focuses on the potential for one event to trigger a series of subsequent events, often with unpredictable consequences.

FAQs

What does "it would be explosive" mean?

The phrase "it would be explosive" is a figurative expression suggesting that something will cause a sudden, powerful, and often disruptive reaction or have a significant impact. It's often used in contexts involving conflict, controversy, or intense emotions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it would be explosive"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the potential for a situation to cause a major stir or create significant repercussions. It is often used in news or political contexts where actions can trigger strong reactions from the public or other parties.

What are some alternatives to saying "it would be explosive"?

You can use alternatives like "it could be devastating", "it might spark outrage", or "it could trigger a backlash" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it would be explosive" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it would be explosive" is grammatically correct. The structure follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in various forms of writing and speech.