Like a shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Like a shot" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something happening very quickly or suddenly. Example: "He left the room like a shot when he heard the news." Alternative expressions include "in a flash" and "like lightning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'd like a shot at it, but I don't know where I stand," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Like a shot, FluMist would be administered annually.

The New York Times - Health

Like a shot, the librarian led me past rows and rows of shelves and selected an antique book.

The New York Times

Logistics like a shot in the dark.

Huffington Post

But like a shot of adrenaline, that initial burst of economic activity is likely to fade.

The New York Times

He just took off like a shot.

The New Yorker

[Like a shot] Kylie.

The Guardian - Sport

"Oh, I'd be there like a shot".

Independent

"I said yes like a shot.

The Guardian

Ronaldinho would go like a shot.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tebow hunches and sweeps his leg behind him, like a shot-putter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Like a shot" to emphasize the speed and decisiveness of an action or response. It adds a vivid and relatable image to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "Like a shot" too frequently in your writing. While it's a descriptive idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or less sophisticated. Vary your language to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Like a shot" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the action. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct and usable structure in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Like a shot" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something happening quickly or with great eagerness. It functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the manner of an action. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's considered relatively informal and most appropriate for neutral contexts like news articles or general writing, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. For more formal situations, alternatives like "immediately" or "without hesitation" might be more suitable. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain variety and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instantly

Single-word adverb emphasizing immediate action.

Immediately

Another single-word adverb stressing lack of delay.

Right away

Slightly more informal, suggesting promptness.

In a heartbeat

Emphasizes eagerness and willingness to act quickly.

Without hesitation

Highlights the lack of doubt or delay.

As quick as a flash

Uses simile to emphasize speed.

In an instant

Similar to "instantly", but with a slightly different structure.

At once

A more formal way of saying immediately.

Expeditiously

A formal term for doing something fast and efficiently.

Rapidly

Describes the fast pace of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "Like a shot" in a sentence?

You can use "Like a shot" to describe something happening very quickly or someone acting with great eagerness. For example: "When they announced the concert tickets were available, she bought them "like a shot"."

What are some alternatives to "Like a shot"?

You can use alternatives like "instantly", "immediately", or "in a heartbeat" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "Like a shot" in formal writing?

While "Like a shot" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives such as "immediately" or "without hesitation".

What does "Like a shot" mean?

"Like a shot" is an idiom that means quickly, immediately, or eagerly. It implies that an action is performed without delay.