can be shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing photography, film, or even metaphorically in various scenarios where something can be captured or recorded. Example: "The beautiful landscape can be shot from multiple angles to capture its essence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obviously they can be shot through, but the shot may blow shattered glass all over you.

WikiHow

Images can be shot in normal view or in a wide-angle, including panoramic shots.

TechCrunch

Foxes can be shot.

The Economist

You can be shot".

Independent

Aeroplanes, too, can be shot down.

The Economist

There is no way she can be shot dead.

The New York Times - Books

Videos can be shot on iPhone, GoPro, DSLR, or any device.

Princeton University

Elsewhere in Wyoming, wolves are classified as predators that can be shot on sight.

The New York Times

Photos and videos can be shot and shared on the move.

The Economist

Wyoming's plan allows it to classify the animals as predators that can be shot on sight.

The New York Times

The two governments have established stringent rules of engagement before a plane can be shot down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something or someone is vulnerable to gunfire, use the phrase "can be shot" to clearly convey the possibility of being targeted. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about who or what is at risk and under what circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "can be shot" in overly figurative ways that dilute its impact. If the intent is not related to actual gunfire or a similar action, consider using more appropriate and descriptive alternatives to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be shot" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of someone or something being targeted by gunfire or similar projectile action. Ludwig examples confirm its typical use in describing vulnerability or potential actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be shot" is a common and grammatically correct modal passive construction used to express the possibility of someone or something being targeted by gunfire. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to inform, warn, or describe potential risks associated with firearms, appearing frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts. While "can be shot" is generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in overly figurative contexts to prevent misinterpretation. Alternative phrases like ""might be shot"" or ""is liable to be shot"" offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be shot

Indicates a formal or factual possibility.

might be shot

Suggests a possibility, often implying less certainty.

is in danger of being shot

Similar to "at risk", but with a stronger sense of immediate threat.

could potentially be shot

Adds a degree of uncertainty or hypotheticality.

is at risk of being shot

Emphasizes the potential danger and vulnerability.

is susceptible to being shot

Emphasizes vulnerability or likelihood.

is liable to be shot

Highlights the risk or potential consequence.

is exposed to being shot

Highlights the lack of protection and increased chance of being shot.

is capable of being shot

Focuses on the inherent possibility based on circumstances.

can be fired upon

Replaces "shot" with a more formal military term, implying an active attacker.

FAQs

What does "can be shot" mean?

The phrase "can be shot" indicates that something or someone is susceptible to being hit by a projectile, such as a bullet, or metaphorically, it suggests vulnerability to attack or criticism.

How can I use "can be shot" in a sentence?

You can use "can be shot" in sentences like: "Stay away from windows, they "can be shot" through"; "Wolves are classified as predators that "can be shot" on sight."

What are some alternatives to "can be shot"?

Alternatives to "can be shot" include "might be shot", "may be shot", or "is liable to be shot", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can be shoot" instead of "can be shot"?

No, "can be shoot" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "can be shot", where "shot" is the past participle of the verb "shoot."