fire a cannon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fire a cannon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military actions, historical events, or metaphorical expressions of launching something with force. Example: "During the reenactment, the soldiers were instructed to fire a cannon to signal the start of the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Indeed, hardly anyone knew how to fire a cannon.

The Guardian

At dusk, the authorities would fire a cannon and then close the city's gates for the night.

The New York Times

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fire a cannon at the frontline of battles in the Islamic State group's last remaining position.

The Guardian

"You could fire a cannon in the downtown area at night and not hit anybody," said Joseph M. Delfino, who became mayor in 1998.

The New York Times

"You could fire a cannon in the downtown area at night and not hit anybody," he said shortly after taking office four years ago.

The New York Times

"I remember when you could fire a cannon down Mamaroneck Avenue at five in the evening, and no one would even get hurt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sure, he's firing a cannon this time.

The New York Times - Arts

The opponent, Emmaus High, celebrated touchdowns by firing a cannon.

The New York Times - Sports

Civil War re-enactors set up a camp nearby, firing a cannon that rattled windows.

The New York Times

When the French flagship hit the reef, it fired a cannon to warn the rest of the fleet.

The Economist

Directed by René Clair and written by Picabia, it opens with Picabia firing a cannon at the camera.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "fire a cannon" in historical or fictional contexts, ensure the details surrounding the event (time period, type of cannon, purpose of firing) are consistent with the overall narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "fire a cannon" literally in modern, non-military contexts unless you're aiming for humor or hyperbole. Overusing it can sound anachronistic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fire a cannon" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of discharging a cannon. Ludwig examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts, confirming its active voice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fire a cannon" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the action of discharging a cannon. As verified by Ludwig, it finds its place in various contexts, from historical accounts to metaphorical expressions. Predominantly seen in News & Media sources, its register leans towards neutral, becoming informal when used figuratively. When incorporating "fire a cannon" in your writing, consider the context to ensure appropriateness, avoiding anachronistic usage in modern scenarios. Alternative phrases like "discharge a cannon" or "shoot a cannon" can offer slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discharge a cannon

Replaces "fire" with "discharge", emphasizing the act of releasing or setting off the cannon.

shoot a cannon

Uses "shoot" instead of "fire", a more direct synonym in this context.

set off a cannon

Emphasizes the initiation of the cannon's firing mechanism.

launch a cannonball

Focuses on the projectile being launched, rather than the action of firing the cannon.

detonate a cannon

Highlights the explosive aspect of firing a cannon.

bombard with a cannon

Suggests a sustained or repeated firing of the cannon.

unleash a cannon

Suggests a forceful and uncontrolled firing of the cannon.

operate a cannon

Focuses on the handling and control of the cannon during the firing process.

artillery barrage

Refers to a concentrated and continuous firing of cannons or similar artillery.

cannonade

A noun referring to a sustained period of cannon fire.

FAQs

How can I use "fire a cannon" in a sentence?

You can use "fire a cannon" to describe a historical event, a fictional battle, or metaphorically to represent a forceful action. For example: "The fort would "fire a cannon" at dusk."

What are some alternatives to "fire a cannon"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "discharge a cannon" or "shoot a cannon". For a more figurative meaning, consider "launch a campaign" or "initiate a forceful action".

Is it appropriate to use "fire a cannon" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "fire a cannon" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing. In those cases, a more formal expression or "discharge a cannon" might be better.

What's the difference between "fire a cannon" and "<a href=/s/shooting+a+cannon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">shooting a cannon"?

"Fire a cannon" is the base form, while "<a href=/s/shooting+a+cannon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">shooting a cannon" is the gerund or present participle form. "<a href=/s/shooting+a+cannon" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shooting a cannon" is used to describe the action in progress, whereas "fire a cannon" is more general.