a loaded shotgun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loaded shotgun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing firearms, safety, or metaphorically to describe a situation that is potentially dangerous or explosive. Example: "He entered the room with a loaded shotgun, making everyone feel uneasy about the confrontation that was about to unfold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The convicts stormed a guard tower and stole 14.357 Magnum pistols with 238 rounds of ammunition, a loaded automatic rifle and a loaded shotgun.

The New York Times

A loaded shotgun was at his feet.

The New York Times

"I can't leave you alone down here drunk with a loaded shotgun," she said.

The New Yorker

For firefighters, "it is like walking into the barrel of a loaded shotgun," Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said.

The New York Times

He spent only 17 nights here, and when he did stay, he kept to his bedroom, guarded with a loaded shotgun, eating figs and polenta.

The New York Times - Magazine

A Virginia man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for carrying a loaded shotgun near the Capitol and hiding explosives in his truck.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The police say they responded to Mr. Manso's home alarm system, entered the house and saw the loaded shotgun on a closet shelf.

The New York Times - Books

A loaded beanbag shotgun that fell from the trunk of a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department patrol car on Saturday was returned to the department Tuesday, authorities said.

Los Angeles Times

In short order, she pays for the bloody necks, introduces us to some local witch doctors, takes her little sister home and does some horribly convincing practice with a slug-loaded shotgun: "If I can't get it loaded in time I can probably beat someone's head in with it; the bitch is heavy".

The Guardian - Books

That was when I was handed the loaded shotgun.

The Guardian - Travel

They have charged that Mr. Williams was handling the loaded shotgun recklessly and with extreme indifference to the value of human life in the moments before it fired.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a loaded shotgun" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to an actual firearm or a metaphor for a dangerous or high-stakes situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a loaded shotgun" too frequently as a metaphor, as it can dilute its impact. Explore alternative expressions like "a high-stakes situation" or "a volatile environment" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loaded shotgun" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to identify a specific type of firearm that is ready for use. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a loaded shotgun" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, primarily found in News & Media contexts. It describes a firearm that is ready for use and often implies potential danger or a high-stakes situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and understandable phrase in English writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose alternatives when a more neutral or formal tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cocked shotgun

Focuses on the readiness aspect of the shotgun.

a primed shotgun

Emphasizes the state of being prepared for firing.

a ready shotgun

Highlights the immediate availability for use.

a shotgun ready to fire

More explicit about the gun's condition.

an armed shotgun

Implies being equipped with ammunition.

a fully loaded shotgun

Emphasizes the completeness of the ammunition.

a shotgun with live rounds

Specific about the type of ammunition.

a dangerous shotgun

Focuses on the potential harm.

a menacing shotgun

Highlights the threatening aspect.

a prepared shotgun

Stresses the act of making it ready.

FAQs

How can "a loaded shotgun" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a loaded shotgun" in sentences like: "The robber was carrying "a loaded shotgun"" or "The situation was like facing "a loaded shotgun"".

What is a less literal alternative to "a loaded shotgun"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a volatile situation", "a dangerous game", or "a high-stakes scenario".

What does it mean when someone says a situation is like "a loaded shotgun"?

It means the situation is potentially dangerous, volatile, and could have serious consequences if mishandled. It implies a high level of risk and tension.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a loaded shotgun" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, its appropriateness depends on the context. In formal or business writing, it's best to use it carefully, especially if employing it metaphorically. A more neutral phrase may be more suitable.