set to detonate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to detonate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving explosives, devices, or situations where something is primed to explode or activate. Example: "The bomb was set to detonate at midnight, causing widespread panic in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Each word timed and set to detonate.

The New York Times - Magazine

The plan was to plant the bombs in four locations in the morning, with timers set to detonate simultaneously that afternoon.

The New Yorker

Photograph by Pieter Ten Hoopen / Agence VU The plan was to plant the bombs in four locations in the morning, with timers set to detonate simultaneously that afternoon.

The New Yorker

A second vehicle, filled with explosives and five gunmen, was stopped by guards, who killed the insurgents and managed to defuse the bomb three minutes before it was set to detonate, officials said.

The New York Times

The police disarmed a second explosive device found near the market entrance, and Russia's National Antiterrorist Committee warned that other bombs could be set to detonate in the vicinity, Russian news media reported.

The New York Times

The bombs are often made from fertilizer and diesel fuel, or from artillery shells, and buried in dirt roads with triggers set to detonate when heavy military vehicles drive over them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Racism was a dirty bomb ready to detonate.

The New York Times - Arts

She had a grenade ready to detonate in her hand.

BBC

The bomb was "armed and ready to detonate".

Los Angeles Times

He and an accomplice were to enter the United States from Mexico or Puerto Rico, identify three high-rise apartment buildings that used natural gas, rent two apartments in each building, seal all the openings, turn on the gas and set timers to detonate the buildings simultaneously.

The New York Times

Will deduces that Kateb's signature is setting bombs to detonate at 4.20pm New York time – and that a recent explosion suggests that he is still alive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set to detonate", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being detonated and under what conditions. This helps avoid ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "set to detonate" metaphorically without a strong connection to the literal meaning of an explosion or sudden, destructive activation. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to detonate" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been prepared or programmed to explode. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in contexts related to explosive devices and planned detonations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set to detonate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something prepared to explode. Ludwig AI confirms that it is most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register. Key alternatives include "primed to explode" and "ready to explode". When employing this phrase, ensure the context is clear and avoid overuse in figurative senses to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primed to explode

This alternative emphasizes the immediate readiness to explode.

ready to explode

This alternative conveys a general state of being prepared to explode imminently.

about to explode

This alternative suggests an impending explosion.

on the verge of detonating

This alternative highlights the nearness of the detonation event.

prepared to detonate

This alternative indicates prior arrangement and intent to detonate.

scheduled for detonation

This alternative specifies a planned or predetermined time for detonation.

programmed to explode

This alternative suggests a pre-set automated detonation.

timed to explode

This alternative highlights the use of a timer to trigger the explosion.

rigged to blow

This alternative implies a somewhat improvised or makeshift setup for detonation.

equipped to explode

This alternative focuses on the device being outfitted with the necessary components for detonation.

FAQs

How is "set to detonate" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "set to detonate" describes an explosive device or a situation that has been prepared to explode at a specific time or under certain conditions. For example, "The bomb was "set to detonate" at midnight."

What are some alternatives to saying "set to detonate"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "primed to explode", "ready to explode", or "about to explode" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "set to detonate"?

Yes, "set to detonate" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media when describing explosive devices or potentially volatile situations.

What is the difference between ""set to detonate"" and "about to detonate"?

"Set to detonate" implies that the action to detonate was programmed or fixed in advance. "About to detonate" simply means that something is on the verge of exploding.