a single shooting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single shooting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to one specific incident of gunfire or a shooting event. Example: "The news reported on a single shooting that occurred in the downtown area last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In September 2009, the police killed four migrants in a single shooting.

The New York Times

Last year, the housing project did not record a single shooting, something that had not happened in more than a decade and was a source of pride.

The New York Times

There had not been a single shooting this year, he said, until Monday, when a landlord in the East 60's was charged with killing one of his tenants.

The New York Times

The Mass Shooting Tracker is different from other shooting databases in that it uses a broader definition of mass shooting — the old FBI definition focused on four or more people killed as part of a single shooting.

The Washington Post

But relatives of the victims insisted that the incident should be viewed as a hate crime, while the fact that three Muslims were killed in a single shooting drew international attention to a relatively quiet college town.

The Washington Post

Nationwide security reports released daily since January constantly demonstrate that southern Iraq has evolved from a war zone to a benign place where weeks often go by without a single shooting, or bombing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We have not canceled a single shoot because of this problem," Mr. Perry said.

The New York Times

They have obtained as many as six city permits in different places for a single shoot in an effort to keep the union guessing.

The New York Times

Best of all, when the smoke has cleared, Maclean then reckons up the dead, not only from a single shoot-out but from "Slow West" as a whole.

The New Yorker

He was on time every day, he didn't turn up with a hangover and he never missed a single shoot," she said.

The Guardian - Music

In 2003, he reworked Faith alongside Ms Dynamite into an anti-Iraq war track, and even released a single – Shoot the Dog – that castigated Tony Blair's alliance with George W Bush and the neocons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on events, use "a single shooting" to clearly indicate that only one incident occurred, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single shooting" when referring to events that involve multiple shootings. For example, if multiple people were shot in separate locations, it would be inaccurate to describe it as "a single shooting."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single shooting" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a singular event involving the discharge of a firearm. Ludwig examples confirm its use in news and incident reporting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single shooting" is a noun phrase used to describe a singular incident involving gunfire. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific reports related to crime and violence. While its usage is relatively uncommon, it serves the important purpose of clearly reporting on specific instances of shootings. Consider alternatives like "one shooting" or "an isolated shooting incident" to vary your writing, and be mindful of accurately representing events involving multiple shootings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward shooting

Emphasizes the apparent simplicity or clarity of the shooting incident.

a single murder

Specifies that the shooting resulted in a fatality, focusing on the outcome.

a single shootout

Highlights the exchange of gunfire between parties involved.

a single incident

Broadens the scope to include any type of event, not necessarily involving violence.

a unique shooting

Highlights the distinctiveness or unusual nature of the shooting.

a single firing

Focuses on the act of discharging a firearm one time.

a single bullet

Refers to only one projectile being fired

a single camera

Reference to only one camera involved in a shooting, for example while filming.

a one off shooting

Reference to a shooting that happened only one time.

a single killing

Highlights the act of taking a life in only one episode.

FAQs

How can I use "a single shooting" in a sentence?

You can use "a single shooting" to describe an isolated incident involving gunfire. For example, "The police are investigating "a single shooting" that occurred downtown last night."

What are some alternatives to saying "a single shooting"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like /s/one+shooting, /s/an+isolated+shooting+incident, or /s/a+lone+shooting to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a single shooting" when multiple people are injured?

Yes, "a single shooting" can be used even if multiple people are injured, as long as the injuries occurred in a single event at the same location. If the events are separate, it's more accurate to refer to multiple shootings or shootings.

What is the difference between "a single shooting" and "a mass shooting"?

"A single shooting" refers to any isolated incident involving gunfire. "A mass shooting" is a specific type of shooting event, often defined as involving four or more victims injured or killed in a single incident. Therefore, not all single shootings qualify as mass shootings.