fire away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Fire away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal phrase used to tell someone to begin speaking, usually after asking a question. For example: "Do you have any questions about the project?" "Fire away!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fire away.

The New York Times - Sports

Fire away in the comments.

The New York Times

Other than that, fire away.

The New York Times

Sometimes they fire away.

The New York Times - Sports

Fire away, lawyers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, fire away".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then fire away with questions and criticisms.

The New York Times

Fire away, and good luck!

The New Yorker

If you have any suggestions, fire away….

The Economist

AGES 9 AND UP -- Fire away.

The New York Times

Thanks for joining us, fire away!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fire away" in informal settings when you want to encourage someone to ask questions or express their opinions freely. It conveys a sense of openness and willingness to engage.

Common error

Avoid using "fire away" in highly formal or professional settings, such as presentations to senior management or official communications. Opt for more formal alternatives like "you may proceed" or "please ask your questions".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fire away" is as an imperative verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it is used to grant permission or encourage someone to begin speaking, questioning, or acting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

9%

Social Media

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fire away" is a correct and widely used idiomatic phrase that functions as an imperative verb phrase, inviting interaction and encouraging someone to proceed with questions or comments. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage and common occurrence. While primarily informal, its prevalence in news media indicates acceptability in neutral contexts. When in doubt, reserve its use for informal settings to guarantee that you select the right expression for the setting in which you find yourself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go ahead

Indicates permission to start or continue, similar to giving the green light.

shoot

A shortened, more casual version of "fire away", indicating permission to speak or ask.

ask away

Specifically encourages asking questions.

proceed

A more formal way of granting permission to continue.

let's hear it

An informal invitation to share information or opinions.

speak your mind

Encourages open and honest expression of thoughts and opinions.

don't hold back

Encourages someone to be unrestrained in their speech or actions.

what's on your mind?

Invites someone to share their thoughts or concerns.

the floor is yours

Indicates that someone has the opportunity to speak or present.

you may begin

A formal way of granting permission to start a presentation or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "fire away" to invite someone to start asking questions or begin speaking. For example, "If you have any questions, "fire away"!"

What's the difference between "fire away" and "go ahead"?

"Fire away" is often used specifically when inviting questions or comments, while "go ahead" is a more general term for giving permission to start or continue something.

Is "fire away" appropriate for formal situations?

No, "fire away" is generally considered informal. In formal settings, it's better to use phrases like "you may proceed" or "please ask your questions".

What are some alternatives to "fire away"?

Alternatives include "ask away", "shoot" (as in, "shoot your questions"), or "speak your mind", depending on the specific context.