come under gunfire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come under gunfire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military or combat situations where someone is exposed to shooting or attacks. Example: "The soldiers had to take cover as they came under gunfire during the operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The problem with the electrical power supply, he said, is that technicians approaching a central control room had come under gunfire.

The New York Times

Dr. Redfield has just returned from a trip to the region that included a visit on March 9 to a treatment center in Butembo that, just hours before, had come under gunfire by attackers who killed a police officer.

The New York Times - Health

Mr Rees-Jones is reportedly sleeping in a run-down building that has come under gunfire from militia and runs the risk of contracting dengue fever and malaria, which have struck a quarter of Timor-based soldiers this year.

The Guardian

Adding that police had at one point come under gunfire, and that several officers had been injured by rocks and bottles, Johnson urged peaceful protesters from now on to limit their demonstrations to daytime and not give cover to criminals at night.

The Guardian

The president's call to arms echoed his response to the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, earlier this year, when he suggested that armed guards could prevent school shootings because potential perpetrators are "cowards" and ultimately don't want to come under gunfire.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Last year, the police also came under gunfire from dissident republicans during the rioting.

The New York Times

The police officers and firefighters who arrived to extinguish the flames came under gunfire.

The New York Times

The police came under gunfire from "heavy weapons", according to the French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve.

The Guardian

Just before 3 a.m., they went ashore and had begun to climb onto land when four helicopters appeared overhead and they came under gunfire, she said.

The New York Times

However, Israeli soldiers at the liaison office in the southern Gaza Strip came under gunfire today and shot back, the Israeli Army said.

The New York Times

Though he said the Palestinian fighters were carrying firearms, he acknowledged that there had been no reports of Israeli troops coming under gunfire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, "come under gunfire" can add a sense of immediacy and tension, helping readers understand the dangers faced by those involved.

Common error

Avoid using "come under gunfire" when a more general term like "come under attack" would be more accurate. Gunfire specifically refers to bullets or projectiles from firearms; if the attack involves other weapons, a broader term is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "come under gunfire" is to act as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the action of being subjected to shooting. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable, particularly in contexts involving military or combat situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come under gunfire" is a grammatically sound phrase predominantly used in news and media to depict scenarios of being attacked with firearms. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and appropriateness for describing dangerous situations. While alternatives like "be subjected to gunfire" or "be fired upon" exist for more formal contexts, this phrase effectively conveys immediate danger. When using it, ensure the context involves actual firearm attacks and avoid broader terms if other forms of attack are present. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its acceptance in professional writing, making it a clear and impactful choice for describing such events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be subjected to gunfire

Emphasizes the passive reception of the gunfire.

be attacked with gunfire

Highlights the method of attack.

be targeted by gunfire

Highlights the intentionality of the attack.

be fired upon

A more formal way of saying "come under gunfire".

face gunfire

Focuses on confronting the threat of gunfire.

sustain gunfire

Focuses on enduring or withstanding the effects of the gunfire.

encounter gunfire

Implies an unexpected or chance exposure to gunfire.

experience gunfire

Focuses on the sensory experience of being exposed to gunfire.

be caught in crossfire

Indicates being unintentionally exposed to gunfire between two or more parties.

be under fire

A more general term for being attacked, which may include but is not limited to gunfire.

FAQs

How can I use "come under gunfire" in a sentence?

You can use "come under gunfire" to describe situations where people or places are being shot at. For example, "The soldiers "came under gunfire" while patrolling the border."

What's a more formal way to say "come under gunfire"?

A more formal alternative to "come under gunfire" is "be subjected to gunfire" or "be fired upon". These options are suitable for academic or official reports.

Is it correct to say "coming under gunfire"?

Yes, "coming under gunfire" is a grammatically correct present participle phrase, often used to describe an ongoing situation. For example, "While coming under gunfire, the police officers sought cover."

What is the difference between "come under fire" and "come under gunfire"?

"Come under fire" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of attack or criticism, while "come under gunfire" specifically refers to being shot at with guns.