as a hitman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a hitman" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing roles, professions, or character descriptions, particularly in crime-related narratives or discussions. Example: "He was known in the underworld as a hitman, feared by many for his ruthless efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Michael Corleone makes his bones as a hitman at a restaurant in the Bronx.

The New York Times

He said: "Fantasies about killing people as a hitman - that was my number one fantasy.

Independent

The judge in Wright's trial described him as a "hitman who lost his nerve".

The Guardian

But he said he would not go back to his life as a hitman on his release.

The Guardian

A morose mafiosi thriller stretched to minimal sparseness, as a hitman takes pity on the blind sister of his victim.

The Guardian - Film

Given his long career as a hitman, there must be thousands of people who believe that Jim deserves to be shot on sight.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

As, respectively, a hitman and a bodyguard – it's nothing if not clearly titled – paired up to bring down a Belarusian warlord, Samuel L Jackson and Ryan Reynolds attempt to slick their way through it, but can't override the film's grim, sporadically racist mismatch of glib comedy and grisly political violence.

The Guardian - Film

It all made sense, though, when I later learned that he had become what was known in Russian crime circles as a "torpedo" – a hitman.

The Guardian

Interview with a Hitman is as much a character study as it is an action thriller.

The Guardian

The Houston district attorney's office has dismissed the possibility of a hitman as "pure speculation".

The New York Times

Mr Phaliso agreed it would be harder for a tourist to find a hitman as they would need to befriend someone first who has criminal contacts and could act as a middleman.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or situation, ensure the context makes it clear that "as a hitman" is being used to define their role or profession, not as a general descriptor of their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "as a hitman" metaphorically when the context does not involve actual violence or criminal activity. Using it loosely can trivialize the severity of the profession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a hitman" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a role, profession, or capacity. Ludwig confirms this through its examples, showing it used to describe characters or individuals in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a hitman" is a prepositional phrase used to define or characterize someone's role or profession, predominantly within narratives related to crime or action. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its subject matter implies a certain seriousness. When using "as a hitman", ensure the context appropriately reflects its meaning and that it is not employed lightly. Consider alternatives like "in the role of a hitman" or "working as an assassin" to fine-tune the expression to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the role of a hitman

Focuses on the function or position the person occupies.

functioning as a contract killer

Highlights the professional aspect of killing for hire.

working as an assassin

Emphasizes the clandestine and skilled nature of the role.

employed as a hired gun

Uses a more colloquial term for a hitman, suggesting a less formal context.

acting as a professional killer

Stresses the professional aspect of the activity.

being a paid assassin

Highlights the monetary motivation behind the actions.

in the capacity of a hitman

A more formal way to indicate the role or function.

performing the duties of a contract killer

Focuses on the responsibilities associated with the role.

serving as an executioner

Implies a more official or sanctioned role in carrying out killings, though not necessarily for hire.

taking on the role of a murderer for hire

Explicitly states the act of murder and the financial incentive.

FAQs

How can I use "as a hitman" in a sentence?

Use "as a hitman" to define someone's role or profession within a narrative. For instance, "He was known in the underworld as a hitman."

What are some alternatives to saying "as a hitman"?

You can use alternatives like "in the role of a hitman", "working as an assassin", or "employed as a hired gun".

Is it appropriate to use "as a hitman" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as a hitman" is generally more suited for narrative or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral or precise language depending on the subject.

What's the difference between "as a hitman" and "like a hitman"?

"As a hitman" defines a person's role or profession, whereas "like a hitman" compares someone's actions or demeanor to that of a hitman. The former is a statement of fact (within the narrative), while the latter is a comparison.