a mortar round

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mortar round" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military terminology, specifically when discussing artillery or explosive devices. Example: "The soldiers were trained to handle a mortar round safely during their exercises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Probably a mortar round," I replied.

The Washington Post

"It's a mortar round or a land mine," he said.

The New York Times

Apple blossoms float through a hole in the roof blasted by a mortar round.

Independent

A mortar round struck the roof of the building where the Americans had scrambled for cover.

The New York Times

Abu Maream left Iraq after a mortar round killed his brother-in-law in 2005.

The New York Times

A mortar round wounded an Israeli baby in Gaza, and the Israelis retaliated by shelling.

The New York Times

A mortar round hits the side of the building, then two more.

The New York Times - Magazine

A mortar round hit an armored engineering vehicle known as an M-113.

The New York Times

Tonight, a mortar round landed near an unoccupied community center in Gilo.

The New York Times

ROAA SALEM, an architecture student at Damascus University, where a mortar round killed 12 students and wounded 29 others.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The system uses a radar, about the size of a refrigerator, to locate an incoming fast-moving object, such as a mortar-round.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on military incidents, use the term "a mortar round" to clearly specify the type of projectile involved, especially when distinguishing it from other forms of artillery fire. Always ensure factual accuracy when detailing the impact and consequences of such rounds.

Common error

Avoid generalizing "a mortar round" as simply "a bomb" or "artillery", as this lacks precision. Mortars have specific launch characteristics and are used in particular tactical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mortar round" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in sentences describing military actions. Ludwig examples show it describing incidents and impacts related to military conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mortar round" is a common term, primarily used in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts to describe a specific type of military projectile. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to report or describe military events factually. When using this phrase, ensure it is employed accurately to avoid misidentification of weapon types. For alternatives, consider "mortar shell" or "artillery shell" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mortar shell

This term is a more concise synonym, directly referring to the projectile fired from a mortar.

mortar projectile

This term emphasizes the object being launched by the mortar, highlighting its trajectory.

incoming mortar fire

This phrase describes the event of being under attack from mortars.

mortar attack

Focuses on the act of launching the mortar, rather than the round itself.

explosive shell

This is a broader term that encompasses any shell containing explosives, not specifically from a mortar.

artillery shell

A more general term for a projectile fired from artillery, which includes mortars.

indirect fire

Refers to the technique of firing at a target without direct line of sight, common with mortars.

ordnance

This term refers to military weapons and ammunition.

bombardment

This describes a continuous attack from heavy guns or mortars.

shelling

Refers to the act of firing explosive shells at a target.

FAQs

How is "a mortar round" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "a mortar round" is used to describe an event involving the firing or impact of a mortar shell. For example, "a mortar round struck the building" or "the soldiers fired a mortar round".

What can I say instead of "a mortar round"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mortar shell", "artillery shell", or describe the event as "mortar attack".

Which is correct, "a mortar round" or "a mortar shell"?

Both "a mortar round" and "a mortar shell" are correct and commonly used. They are essentially synonymous, referring to the same type of projectile.

What's the difference between "a mortar round" and "artillery fire"?

"A mortar round" refers to a specific type of ammunition fired from a mortar. "Artillery fire" is a broader term encompassing any projectile launched from heavy guns, including mortars, howitzers, and cannons.