executed on the spot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "executed on the spot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is carried out immediately or without delay. Example: "The decision was made quickly, and the plan was executed on the spot to address the emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Photographs posted showed one of the crew apparently executed on the spot and an injured pilot taken by rebels from the wreckage.

Huffington Post

He was executed on the spot.

The New York Times

Prosecutors suspect that the terrorists were executed on the spot.

The New York Times

"Why they were killed like that — executed on the spot — we never understood," Mrs. Niehous said.

The New York Times

You or I would have been executed on the spot, but he got away with it.

The Guardian

"The worst thing is, if we are caught by the Syrian Army we would be executed on the spot".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A method of mounting which is flexible and easy to execute on the spot is popular in the United States of America.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

We note that a plausible scenario for driving spindle skew by counter-rotating flows is similar to the rotation that a crawler excavator or a digger can execute on the spot.

eLife

The front-running candidate didn't execute an on-the-spot correction, generating a great deal of media attention for the omission.

The Washington Post

"Most likely they were victims of political repression who were executed on the same spot where the remains were found".

The Guardian

"If we decided a guy was K.L.A.," Dragan intones, speaking of the rebel Kosovo Liberation Army, "we often executed him on the spot".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "executed on the spot" when emphasizing the immediate and often unauthorized nature of a killing. This phrase carries a strong connotation of injustice or brutality.

Common error

Avoid using "executed on the spot" in contexts where a simple 'killed' or 'defeated' would suffice. The phrase implies a specific level of severity and lack of due process that may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "executed on the spot" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing an action (execution) performed immediately and without formal process. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in describing killings in conflict zones and historical events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "executed on the spot" is a common expression used to describe an immediate killing, often without due process. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias and Wikipedia, where it serves to convey a sense of urgency, injustice, or brutality. When using this phrase, consider the potential for strong emotional connotations and ensure it aligns with the desired tone and context of your writing. Alternatives like "summarily executed" or "immediately put to death" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Executed immediately

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the execution.

Summarily executed

Focuses on the lack of due process in the execution.

Immediately put to death

Emphasizes the speed and finality of the action.

Killed instantly

Highlights the instantaneous nature of death.

Killed without delay

Highlights the absence of any waiting period before the killing.

Extrajudicially killed

Emphasizes the act was outside the bounds of the legal system.

Shot on sight

Specifies the method of execution and the immediate response to seeing the person.

Made an example of

Implies that the execution served as a warning to others.

Liquidated on the spot

Uses a euphemistic term, suggesting a more covert or organized killing.

Terminated immediately

Offers a less graphic description of the execution.

FAQs

What does "executed on the spot" mean?

The phrase "executed on the spot" means someone was killed immediately, often without a trial or any form of due process. It suggests a summary execution.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "executed on the spot"?

Use "executed on the spot" when you want to emphasize the immediacy and lack of legal process in a killing. It's suitable when conveying a sense of injustice or brutality.

What are some alternatives to "executed on the spot"?

Alternatives include "summarily executed", "immediately put to death", or "killed without delay", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "executed on the spot" a formal or informal expression?

While understandable in most contexts, "executed on the spot" leans towards a neutral register. Consider the formality of your writing and choose alternatives if a more formal tone is required.