a stray bullet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stray bullet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a bullet that has been fired but does not hit its intended target, often causing unintended harm or damage. Example: "The neighborhood was shocked when a stray bullet struck a nearby house during the shooting incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barron was killed by a stray bullet.

The Economist

"It was a stray bullet," he said.

The New York Times

"I got hit by a stray bullet.

The Guardian

Police believe she was hit by a stray bullet.

The New York Times

Their college-bound daughter was killed by a stray bullet.

The Washington Post

Recently, a stray bullet killed a Spanish tourist.

The Guardian

Or where a stray bullet can snuff a dream.

The Washington Post

A stray bullet also struck a bystander in the back.

The New York Times

He was shot in the ankle by a stray bullet.

The New York Times

"Linval suffered a minor injury during the shooting when a stray bullet struck his calf.

The Guardian

"People are afraid to even go out shopping for fear of a stray bullet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stray bullet", ensure the context clearly indicates the unintentional nature of the bullet's trajectory and the harm it caused.

Common error

Avoid using "a stray bullet" when the bullet's path was intentional, even if the target was misidentified. "A stray bullet" implies a complete lack of intended target.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a stray bullet" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing unintended and accidental shootings, based on provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stray bullet" is a noun phrase that describes an unintentionally fired bullet that causes harm. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context reflects a truly unintentional trajectory, distinguishing it from cases of mistaken identity. When writing, consider that there are alternatives such as "an errant bullet" or "a wild bullet" which may better fit the situation you are describing. Always aim for precision in describing the tragic consequences often associated with shootings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an errant bullet

Replaces "stray" with "errant", emphasizing the deviation from the intended path.

a wild bullet

Substitutes "stray" with "wild", highlighting the uncontrolled nature of the bullet.

a random bullet

Replaces "stray" with "random", focusing on the lack of a specific target.

an unintended bullet

Emphasizes the lack of intention behind the bullet's trajectory.

a misfired bullet

Highlights the malfunction or accidental firing of the bullet.

a deflected bullet

Suggests that the bullet changed its path after being fired.

an off-target bullet

Focuses on the bullet missing its intended mark.

a ricocheted bullet

Implies the bullet bounced off a surface, changing its direction.

an accidental shooting

Shifts the focus to the accidental nature of the shooting incident.

collateral damage

Uses a broader term to describe unintended harm caused during an event.

FAQs

How is "a stray bullet" commonly used in sentences?

Typically, "a stray bullet" is used to describe an unintentional shooting incident where the bullet hits an unintended target, often causing injury or death. For example, "The victim was struck by "a stray bullet" during the shootout".

What are some alternatives to saying "a stray bullet"?

You can use alternatives like "an errant bullet", "a wild bullet", or "a random bullet", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "stray bullet" to describe any bullet that misses its intended target?

While technically accurate, "stray bullet" is best used when the bullet's trajectory was genuinely unintended and unpredictable. If the target was simply misidentified, other terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a stray bullet" and "collateral damage"?

"A stray bullet" refers specifically to an errant bullet causing unintended harm. "Collateral damage" is a broader term encompassing any unintended harm or damage resulting from an action, which could include, but isn't limited to, "a stray bullet".