a loaded firearm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loaded firearm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing firearms, safety, or legal matters related to weapons. Example: "The police found a loaded firearm in the suspect's vehicle during the traffic stop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had a loaded firearm".

Independent

Howell was also charged with a misdemeanor count of possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

The Guardian

She said: "Using a lethal weapon, a loaded firearm, the accused fired not one, but four shots into the door.

The Guardian

Mr. Greene and Ms. Gliedman were charged with criminal possession of a loaded firearm and criminal possession of an explosive substance.

The New York Times

He was charged Saturday evening with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a loaded firearm, the police said.

The New York Times

New laws, for example, have increased the minimum penalty for illegally carrying a loaded firearm in public to three and a half years.

The New York Times

Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested early Friday morning and charged with possession of marijuana and of a loaded firearm, the New Jersey State Police said.

The New York Times - Sports

Now it is back, its tentacular reach indicated by the opening credits, in which an octopus tries to molest a loaded firearm.

The New Yorker

Those violations range from getting caught with a loaded firearm at a checkpoint to disobeying aviation security regulations at the airport or on board aircraft.

The New York Times

Detectives investigating the robbery at Graff have recovered a loaded firearm but Scotland Yard said it is not believed to be the one fired during the incident.

The Guardian

an individual transporting a weapon (except a loaded firearm) in baggage not accessible to a passenger in flight if the air carrier was informed of the presence of the weapon.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about firearm safety, be specific. Instead of saying "handle firearms carefully", specify actions: "Always treat "a loaded firearm" as if it could discharge."

Common error

Ensure accuracy when describing the state of a firearm. Incorrectly stating that "a loaded firearm" is unloaded can have serious consequences in safety instructions and legal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loaded firearm" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It specifies the state of a firearm, indicating that it is ready to be fired. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in legal, news, and safety contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a loaded firearm" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a firearm that is ready to be fired. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad usage. While alternatives like "a loaded gun" and "a charged firearm" exist, "a loaded firearm" is the most formal and widely recognized. It is crucial to use this phrase accurately, particularly in safety instructions or legal documents, to avoid any ambiguity regarding the firearm's state. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources underscores its importance in conveying information related to firearm safety and legal implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loaded gun

Slightly more general, as "gun" can refer to various types of firearms.

a charged firearm

"Charged" implies readiness for use, similar to "loaded", but is less common.

a ready weapon

Focuses on the weapon's state of readiness rather than specifically its loading status.

a cocked pistol

Specifies the type of firearm (pistol) and its readiness mechanism (cocked).

a primed weapon

"Primed" suggests the initial preparation for firing, similar to "loaded".

a live firearm

"Live" emphasizes the potential danger and functionality of the firearm.

an armed weapon

Highlights the weapon being equipped and ready for potential use.

a firearm at the ready

Describes the firearm being in a state of preparedness for immediate use.

a firearm with a round chambered

Technically specific; describes having a bullet ready to fire.

a chambered gun

Short for a gun with a round chambered; indicating readiness for firing.

FAQs

Is it redundant to say "a loaded firearm" since firearms are designed to be loaded?

While firearms are designed to be loaded, specifying that a firearm is "loaded" emphasizes its current state of being ready to fire, which is crucial in safety instructions, legal contexts, and general discussions about firearms. It avoids ambiguity about whether the firearm is actually ready for use.

What are common legal implications associated with possessing "a loaded firearm"?

Possessing "a loaded firearm" often carries stricter legal consequences than possessing an unloaded one, including increased penalties for offenses like illegal carrying, brandishing, or using it in the commission of a crime. Laws vary by jurisdiction, so it's essential to understand local regulations.

What's the difference between "a loaded gun" and "a loaded firearm"?

The terms "a loaded gun" and "a loaded firearm" are generally interchangeable. "Firearm" is a more formal and precise term, typically used in legal and technical contexts, while "gun" is a more common and general term.

How does the concept of "a loaded firearm" relate to gun safety rules?

The concept of "a loaded firearm" is central to gun safety. Many safety rules emphasize treating every firearm as if it were "a loaded firearm" at all times, avoiding pointing it at anything you don't intend to shoot, and being aware of what is behind your target.