this might blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this might blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something being disappointing or failing. Example: "I have a feeling that this might blow, given the lack of preparation we've done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This might blow over.

The New Yorker

Josh is on TwitteRather

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You are happy to chuck a few bombs around that might blow up Abbott a bit.

The Guardian

I had a bunch of scouts tell me before the combine this kid might blow the roof off of it and he did.

The New York Times

This curd just might blow your mind on multiple levels.

The Washington Post

It makes me think: "Wow, our team might blow this thing wide open and this may actually be a therapy we can use to enhance social functioning". At the end of the day, it's about reducing suffering in kids.

Stanford University

Any attempt at analysis might blow this painting away, but it does have a stark visual impact.

The New York Times - Arts

Many were ready to believe the IMF's latest prognosis: that most economies will bottom out in the first half of 1999, with growth resuming in the second half.Many things might blow this forecast off course, from recession in America to financial collapse in China.

The Economist

"I had the feeling that most everyone in the program, or at least the ones I talked to, had this gnawing sense of a vulnerability that they wanted to fix, a fear that they might blow this second chance," Lennon said.

The New Yorker

This fanned fears that pensioners might blow their cash on cruises or pour it all into buy-to-let properties.

The Guardian - Money

I'm never for a second tempted to say, "That spine-tingling drop at Millennium Force is clear!" To get Jesus, it's better to get a little dizzy, shed security, feel the plunge and see if some of that mighty wind might blow through this place, even to my uplifted palms.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this might blow" when you want to express a potential negative outcome or failure, especially when the situation involves some level of unpredictability or risk. It's suitable for informal and moderately formal contexts where a direct, slightly colloquial tone is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "this might blow" in highly formal or professional documents, such as legal contracts or academic papers. The phrase's informal tone may undermine the seriousness and credibility required in such contexts. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "this could fail" or "this may not succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this might blow" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a prediction or possibility, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a potential for failure or disappointment. It can be seen in contexts where there's uncertainty about an outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this might blow" is a modal verb phrase used to express the potential for something to go wrong or fail. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but suggests it is better suited to informal and semi-formal contexts. While found in news sources and general discussions, its slightly colloquial tone makes it less appropriate for formal academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "this could fail" or "this may not succeed" in more formal settings. When using "this might blow", be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure your message is clear and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This could go wrong

Implies a range of possible problems or errors.

This could backfire

Focuses on the negative consequences or unintended results.

This has the potential to fail

Directly states the possibility of failure.

This might not work out

Expresses uncertainty about the success of something.

This may fall through

Highlights the potential for a plan or agreement to fail.

This is potentially disastrous

Emphasizes the severity of the possible negative outcome.

This action may misfire

Suggests the action could fail or have unintended consequences.

This venture is risky

Highlights the element of risk involved.

This plan is precarious

Implies instability and a high chance of failure for the plan.

This project is questionable

Casts doubt on the viability of the project.

FAQs

How can I use "this might blow" in a sentence?

You can use "this might blow" to express the possibility of something going wrong or failing. For example, "I have a feeling that "this might blow", given the lack of preparation we've done".

What are some alternatives to "this might blow"?

You can use alternatives like "this could fail", "this may disappoint", or "this could backfire" depending on the context.

Is "this might blow" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this might blow" is generally more appropriate for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "this could result in failure" or "this carries significant risk".

What does "this might blow" mean?

"This might blow" means that there's a chance something could go wrong, fail, or be a disappointment. The term "blow" is used informally to suggest a negative outcome or setback.