fatally shot

USAGE SUMMARY

"fatally shot" is a correct and useable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone has been shot and killed. Example: The victim was fatally shot in the chest during a drive-by shooting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Three Men Fatally Shot in Woodlawn: MyFoxCHICAGO.com.

Huffington Post

Both were fatally shot.

Independent

"Officers fatally shot subject".

The Guardian

Their target was also fatally shot.

The New York Times

Her mother, Rayya, was also fatally shot.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, one agent was fatally shot".

The New York Times

One suspect was fatally shot.

The New York Times

Mr. Crissey was fatally shot.

The New York Times

Her assailant fatally shot himself.

The Guardian

No officers were fatally shot in 2006.

The New York Times

Petya is fatally shot by the French.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fatally shot" to clearly and concisely communicate that someone died as a direct result of being shot. It is most appropriate in news reports, historical accounts, and legal contexts where accuracy is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "fatally shot" in overly passive constructions that obscure the actor (the one who did the shooting). Clarity is paramount; ensure the sentence structure doesn't unintentionally hide who fired the shot.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fatally shot" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that someone or something was the recipient of a shooting and, as a result, died. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fatally shot" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase indicating death as a direct result of being shot. Ludwig AI validates its usability. Predominantly found in news and media, its register is generally neutral, conveying factual information. While interchangeable options exist, such as "killed by gunfire" or "died from gunshot wounds", the choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by avoiding passive constructions that obscure the shooter. Use it to clearly and concisely communicate the cause of death in reports, accounts, and legal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

killed by gunfire

Focuses on the cause of death being gunfire.

shot and killed

Reverses the order of words, emphasizing the action of shooting first.

mortally wounded by a gunshot

More formal and emphasizes the severity of the wound.

met their death by shooting

Emphasizes death being the final result from shooting

succumbed to gunshot wounds

A more descriptive phrase indicating death resulted from previous injury.

was shot to death

Highlights the purpose of shooting resulting in a death

died as a result of being shot

A more detailed description indicating the cause of death.

victim of fatal gunshot

Highlights someone as a recipient of a harmful shot, resulting in death

fatally wounded

Omits the explicit mention of a shot, focusing on the fatal nature of the wound.

expired from gunshot injuries

Indicates that the death occurred from existing gunshot injuries

FAQs

What does "fatally shot" mean?

The phrase "fatally shot" means that a person or animal died as a direct result of being shot by a bullet or other projectile.

What can I say instead of "fatally shot"?

Alternatives include "killed by gunfire", "shot and killed", or "died from gunshot wounds", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "shot fatally" instead of "fatally shot"?

While grammatically possible, "shot fatally" is less common and may sound awkward. "Fatally shot" is the standard and more natural phrasing.

Which is more formal, "fatally shot" or "succumbed to gunshot wounds"?

"Succumbed to gunshot wounds" is generally considered more formal and clinical than "fatally shot". The choice depends on the desired tone and audience. In formal writing, it may be useful to use "succumbed to gunshot wounds".