barrage of shells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barrage of shells" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a heavy and continuous attack, often in a military context, where many artillery shells are fired in quick succession. Example: "The enemy launched a barrage of shells, causing widespread destruction across the battlefield."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Iraqi television broadcast footage of artillery apparently launching a barrage of shells against Isis positions, as the operation got underway 24 hours after it was first signalled on Sunday.

Independent

By afternoon, after a barrage of shells battered the hills around him, Mr. Jaffar and his cousin, Harun, the commander of some of his troops, offered to surrender, contacting the Northern Alliance general, Khalil Anderabi, by walkie-talkie.

The New York Times

In Donetsk, local authorities urged residents to use "maximum caution" and stay indoors as a barrage of shells rained down near the city's security services building, which is used as a base by the rebels.

The Guardian

For nearly two weeks now they have endured a constant barrage of shells from navy ships they can see through the plastic now covering the windows of their seafront flat in Gaza city, as well as the air force strikes on buildings nearby.

The Guardian

Colvin was killed on Wednesday when a barrage of shells hit a house used by journalists and activists.

Huffington Post

Emdens gunners were firing rapidly, with a salvo every ten seconds; Müller hoped to overwhelm Sydney with a barrage of shells before her heavier armament could take effect.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

After a barrage of shelling in 1993, during the Bosnian civil war, the bridge collapsed.

The New York Times

In eastern Afghanistan, a new barrage of shelling from the Pakistani side of the border drew condemnation from Afghan officials.

The New York Times

Other videos showed gruesome shrapnel wounds caused by what activists said was a barrage of shelling that started Friday in response to demonstrations after the weekly prayer service and that continued Saturday.

The New York Times

A renewed barrage of shelling by Libyan troops around Misrata has left at least 22 people dead and at least 60 wounded, according to hospital doctors in the rebel-held city.

BBC

They launched a barrage of mortar shells on an area of Damascus where she was staying at the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "barrage of shells" to vividly describe a concentrated and forceful artillery attack, emphasizing the intensity and potential destructiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "barrage of shells" metaphorically unless the context genuinely involves a destructive or overwhelming force. Overusing it in trivial situations diminishes its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barrage of shells" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of attack involving the continuous firing of artillery, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples from news sources. It acts as a subject or object in sentences describing military actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barrage of shells" is a noun phrase used to describe a heavy and continuous artillery attack. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral contexts like news and media, conveying the intensity and destructiveness of military conflicts. While alternatives like "artillery bombardment" or "heavy shelling" exist, "barrage of shells" effectively communicates the concentrated and forceful nature of the attack. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations genuinely involving significant destructive force to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

artillery bombardment

This alternative is a more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the military aspect of the shelling.

heavy shelling

This alternative is a shorter, more concise way to describe the same event, focusing on the intensity.

intense bombardment

This alternative focuses on the high level of intensity and the act of bombarding.

onslaught of artillery fire

This alternative uses "onslaught" to emphasize the aggressive and overwhelming nature of the attack.

fusillade of shells

This alternative is more dramatic and suggests rapid and continuous firing.

volley of shells

This alternative indicates a simultaneous discharge of many shells.

rain of shells

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe the shells falling continuously and heavily.

storm of shells

This alternative employs a metaphor to emphasize the chaotic and violent nature of the shelling.

a hail of shells

This alternative uses a metaphor, "hail", to convey the image of numerous projectiles falling rapidly.

continuous shelling

This alternative is a more neutral description, emphasizing the uninterrupted nature of the shelling.

FAQs

How can I use "barrage of shells" in a sentence?

You can use "barrage of shells" to describe a heavy artillery attack, as in, "The city was under a constant "barrage of shells" for several days."

What can I say instead of "barrage of shells"?

Alternatives include "artillery bombardment", "heavy shelling", or "intense bombardment", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "barrage of shells" a formal or informal expression?

"Barrage of shells" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for news reports and factual accounts. More formal alternatives like "artillery bombardment" might be preferred in academic or official contexts.

What's the difference between "barrage of shells" and "rain of shells"?

While both describe intense artillery fire, ""barrage of shells"" emphasizes the concentrated and forceful nature of the attack, while "rain of shells" focuses on the continuous and heavy falling of projectiles, using a more metaphorical and evocative image.