engage in a shootout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engage in a shootout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing gunfights or violent confrontations, often in news articles or fictional narratives. Example: "The police reported that two rival gangs engaged in a shootout in the downtown area last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They and Lucas engage in a shootout, and after evading them, the team decide to split up and regroup in Catherine Wheel Alley, while Harry returns to Thames House.

Wikipedia

That this might make it easier for bad guys (or good guys who turn bad) to get guns is an unfortunate side effect, but in the end, it won't matter, because the goal is to make sure everyone is prepared to engage in a shootout at all times.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Dolan's other company, the Madison Square Garden Company, is engaged in a shootout with Time Warner.

The New York Times

Nowitzki scored 19 points in the first half as the teams engaged in a shootout.

The New York Times - Sports

Shooting quickly and making an effort to push the ball upcourt, they engaged in a shootout.

The New York Times - Sports

There, the officers engaged in a shootout with the suspect, the authorities said.

The New York Times

Last week, Asian and African-American gang members engaged in a shootout at a bowling alley that left several people wounded.

The New York Times

And on Tuesday, fighters with the Tripoli militia, whose members are mostly from the capital, engaged in a shootout with a heavily armed militia from Misurata.

The New York Times

In at least one case, militants engaged in a shootout with the guards to distract them as a suicide bomber drove past barricades.

The New York Times

Lanier referenced a 1997 bank robbery in Los Angeles, in which two men armed with AK-47 assault rifles engaged in a shootout with police.

The Washington Post

Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press a man engaged in a shootout that killed a deputy and then never emerged as the home went up in flames.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "engage in a shootout", ensure the context clearly involves an exchange of gunfire, not just a potential threat or verbal altercation. It describes an active armed conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "engage in a shootout" to describe situations where weapons are present but no actual firing occurs. The phrase specifies an active exchange of gunfire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engage in a shootout" functions as a verbal phrase describing an action of participating in an exchange of gunfire. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use in contexts involving direct conflict and armed confrontation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engage in a shootout" is a verbal phrase that accurately describes active involvement in an exchange of gunfire. Ludwig AI validates its use in news and general narratives, with neutral register. While grammatically sound, its appropriateness depends on context, being more suitable for reporting than formal writing. Alternatives like "participate in a gunfight" or "take part in a firefight" offer similar meanings. Use it to describe active conflict and avoid misapplication to passive observations. Always consider the setting and audience when employing this vivid expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

participate in a gunfight

Emphasizes the involvement in a gun-related confrontation.

take part in a firefight

Highlights a more intense and chaotic armed engagement.

exchange gunfire

Focuses on the action of shooting at each other.

trade shots

Informal way to describe exchanging gunfire.

battle with firearms

Highlights a conflict involving weapons.

have a gun battle

Describes a battle where guns are involved.

be involved in a shooting war

Describes participation in a situation where firearms are used aggressively.

clash in a hail of bullets

Focuses on violent conflict with gunfire.

confront with weapons

Highlights the conflict and the presence of weapons.

face off in armed combat

Describes an armed confrontation or battle.

FAQs

What does "engage in a shootout" mean?

The phrase "engage in a shootout" means to participate in an exchange of gunfire, typically in a violent confrontation or conflict.

What can I say instead of "engage in a shootout"?

You can use alternatives like "participate in a gunfight", "take part in a firefight", or "exchange gunfire".

Is it appropriate to use "engage in a shootout" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "engage in a shootout" is generally more suited for news reports or descriptive narratives than formal academic or business writing. Alternatives might be preferable in formal settings.

What's the difference between "engage in a shootout" and "witness a shootout"?

"Engage in a shootout" implies active participation in the exchange of gunfire, while "witness a shootout" means observing the event without being directly involved.