expert marksmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expert marksmanship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a high level of skill in shooting or handling firearms, often in contexts related to military, law enforcement, or competitive shooting. Example: "The soldier was recognized for his expert marksmanship during the training exercises, consistently hitting targets with precision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Such expert marksmanship!

The New Yorker

Here he meets Thai special investigator Jacinta Cin Lai, a woman whose beauty is surpassed only by her incredible martial arts skills and expert marksmanship.

The Guardian - Books

Despite fielding a roster that has undergone almost a complete overhaul over the last few years, the Suns are in contention for a playoff berth thanks to Nash's ball-handling wizardry and expert marksmanship.

The New York Times

His expert marksmanship could prove crucial in the Black Cats' fight to beat the drop, even though Ki Sung-yueng's headed goal for Swansea denied the visitors a three-point haul.

Independent

The older Whitman, a fervid gun lover, did, however, take great pride in the precocious expert marksmanship of his eldest son, who was taught from a very early age how to shoot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Muhammad was a Gulf War veteran and earned an expert marksmanship badge in the U.S. Army.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was the kind of thing my father, a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines, was fond of saying about his once-expert marksmanship.

Vice

She was a decorated pilot who rose to the rank of lieutenant commander and twice received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, along with a National Defense Service Medal and an expert pistol Marksmanship Medal, according to a biography provided by the Navy Office of Information.

The Washington Post

The men arrested were John Allen Muhammad, 41, an Army veteran with an expert's rating in marksmanship, and John Lee Malvo, 17, a Jamaican citizen traveling as Mr. Muhammad's unofficial ward.

The New York Times

"Who knows, maybe if I give him some expert level lessons in marksmanship and gun safety," Cheney said.

Huffington Post

UNDISCLOSED BUNKER, WYOMING -- With much of the country wondering about who soon-to-be President-Elect Donald J. Trump will shoot first, one former co-President is offering to give him "expert level lessons in marksmanship and gun safety".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's background or abilities in fiction, use "expert marksmanship" to concisely convey their proficiency with firearms, establishing them as competent and skilled.

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly state their "expert marksmanship" in dialogue; it sounds unnatural. Instead, demonstrate their skill through action and description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expert marksmanship" functions as a noun phrase, where "expert" modifies "marksmanship". It describes a high degree of skill or proficiency in shooting, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expert marksmanship" is a valid and understandable phrase used to describe a high level of proficiency in shooting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears across a variety of sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and online wikis. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and conveys the presence of advanced shooting skills, and is generally register neutral.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional shooting skill

Emphasizes the skill aspect of shooting, using 'exceptional' to denote high quality.

highly skilled shooter

Focuses on the person performing the shooting, highlighting their skill level.

proficient in firearms

Uses a more formal tone and broadens the scope to general firearm proficiency.

masterful sharpshooting

Replaces 'marksmanship' with 'sharpshooting' to highlight precision, and 'masterful' to indicate expertise.

adept at target shooting

Specifically references target shooting as the area of expertise.

seasoned marksman

Implies experience and practice, rather than just inherent skill.

elite shooter

Conveys exclusivity and top-tier skill level.

crack shot

An idiomatic expression for someone with excellent shooting abilities.

skilled in weaponry

Broadens the scope to include general weapon proficiency, not just shooting.

expert gun handling

Focuses on the handling of the gun rather than just the act of shooting accurately.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "expert marksmanship"?

You can describe them as a "highly skilled shooter", a "seasoned marksman", or possessing "exceptional shooting skill" depending on the context.

Is "expert marksmanship" the same as being a sniper?

"Expert marksmanship" implies a high level of shooting ability, while a sniper is a role that requires specialized training, camouflage, and reconnaissance skills in addition to marksmanship.

What are some contexts where "expert marksmanship" is particularly valuable?

"Expert marksmanship" is valuable in military operations, law enforcement, competitive shooting sports, and hunting scenarios where accuracy and precision are essential.

What's the difference between "expert marksmanship" and just being a 'good shot'?

"Expert marksmanship" implies a level of formal training, demonstrated skill, and consistent performance, while being a 'good shot' suggests more of an innate talent or informal skill.