errant shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"errant shot" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a noun meaning a shot that is wildly inaccurate or that goes astray, either figuratively or literally. For example, you might say, "The errant shot sailed over the goalpost and out of the stadium."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without Clement, Tennessee fired errant shot after errant shot.

The New York Times - Sports

An errant shot pelted a tourist in the chest.

The New Yorker

An errant shot and your ball usually ends up there.

The New York Times

An errant shot might end up in the tall wild grass behind the metal stanchion.

The New York Times - Sports

Hit an errant shot here and your ball may end up halfway down the mountain.

The New York Times - Travel

They rejoice after every groundstroke winner and rue every errant shot or missed first serve.

The New York Times - Sports

But if you hit an errant shot you will pay the price.

The Times

Each errant shot, and each lost stroke, was potentially costing Woods a chance to make history.

The New York Times - Sports

But L? dropped a shot over the net, and an errant shot by Roddick made the score 6-3.

The New York Times

His idea of losing his cool on the golf course is exclaiming "Golly!" after an errant shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Fore has been used by golfers since the 18th century to warn others of an errant shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event in sports reporting, use "errant shot" to clearly and concisely convey that a player's attempt missed its intended target. This phrase adds precision to the description of the game's action.

Common error

While "errant shot" is acceptable in news and sports reporting, it might sound less appropriate in more formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise language depending on your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "errant shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "errant" is an adjective modifying the noun "shot". It describes a specific type of shot characterized by its inaccuracy or misdirection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a noun widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "errant shot" is a noun phrase used to describe a shot that misses its target. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is very common, particularly in sports reporting within the News & Media context. While generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in extremely formal contexts. Alternatives include "wayward strike" or "off-target attempt", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wayward strike

Replaces "shot" with "strike", emphasizing the action of hitting rather than the projectile itself. "Wayward" maintains the sense of being off-target.

inaccurate strike

Similar to "wayward strike", but uses "inaccurate" instead of "wayward" to describe the strike's lack of precision.

off-target attempt

Replaces "shot" with the broader term "attempt", focusing on the effort made rather than the specific action. "Off-target" is a direct synonym for "errant" in this context.

poorly aimed shot

Highlights the aiming aspect of the shot, suggesting a lack of precision. Offers a more descriptive alternative to "errant".

misdirected projectile

A more formal and technical alternative, using "projectile" to broadly encompass any object that is thrown or fired and "misdirected" to indicate inaccuracy.

uncontrolled shot

Emphasizes the lack of control over the shot's trajectory or direction.

stray bullet

Specifically refers to a bullet that has gone astray, often implying danger or unintended consequences. Narrower in scope than "errant shot".

wild throw

More applicable in throwing sports, emphasizing the lack of control in the throw. Less formal than "errant shot".

missed shot

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the failure to hit the intended target.

deflected shot

Indicates that the shot's trajectory was altered, causing it to miss the intended target. Suggests an external influence.

FAQs

How is "errant shot" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "errant shot" is commonly used to describe a shot that misses its intended target. For example, "The golfer's "errant shot" landed in the water hazard".

What are some alternatives to using "errant shot"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "wayward strike", "off-target attempt", or "missed shot".

Is "errant shot" formal or informal language?

"Errant shot" is considered neutral in tone and is frequently used in news and sports reporting. It is generally suitable for most contexts, but may be less appropriate in highly formal or academic writing.

What does "errant" mean in the context of "errant shot"?

In the phrase "errant shot", "errant" means straying or deviating from the intended course or target. It describes the shot's inaccuracy.