fusillade of bullets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fusillade of bullets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rapid and intense series of gunfire or attacks, often in a dramatic or metaphorical context. Example: "As the soldiers advanced, they were met with a fusillade of bullets that echoed through the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

None of the seven escaped the fusillade of bullets.

Yale University

The fusillade of bullets, 19 of which struck Mr. Diallo, prompted furious protests against the police.

The New York Times

The action is swift, ferocious, spectacularly choreographed, with bodies careening wildly amid a fusillade of bullets and flying glass.

The New York Times

Five children, ages 6 to 9, were killed in the fusillade of bullets; 29 others were wounded, along with one teacher.

The New York Times

When the police arrived at the scene of the fire just before dawn on Monday, they were met by a fusillade of bullets.

The New York Times

— Some came to the movies limping and on crutches, still hobbled from the fusillade of bullets that cut through bodies and chairs and walls that night in July.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Sociopathic assassins drop in like son of a guns, and fusillades of bullets come and go like passing showers, but Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren will still trade relationship advice and in-jokes like old friends on a package tour.

The New York Times

Mr. Bell was killed and two of his friends, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were seriously wounded in a fusillade of 50 bullets.

The New York Times

When L.G.B.T. groups took to the streets anyway, this past Sunday, the police quickly dispersed them with a fusillade of rubber bullets and clouds of tear gas.

The New Yorker

But the criminal trial of three detectives charged in the killing of Sean Bell in a fusillade of 50 bullets has brought new attention to the club.

The New York Times

As for Mr. Diallo, who died on his doorstep in a fusillade of 41 bullets, the second officer said: "It's terrible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fusillade of bullets" to vividly describe scenes of intense gunfire, especially when emphasizing the overwhelming number and rapid succession of shots. This phrase is most impactful in narrative or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fusillade of bullets" metaphorically in contexts where the intensity doesn't align with actual gunfire. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and appear melodramatic in less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fusillade of bullets" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It vividly describes an event involving intense and rapid gunfire. As Ludwig AI confirm it, the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fusillade of bullets" is a noun phrase used to describe a rapid and intense burst of gunfire, often in a dramatic or metaphorical context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news reports, academic analyses, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase effectively evokes a sense of intensity, danger, and chaos, making it a powerful tool for descriptive writing. Alternatives such as ""barrage of bullets"" or ""hail of bullets"" can be used for similar effect, although they carry slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intensity of the image it conveys to avoid diminishing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage of bullets

Replaces "fusillade" with "barrage", implying a concentrated and overwhelming outpouring of bullets.

hail of bullets

Substitutes "fusillade" with "hail", suggesting a heavy and continuous downpour of bullets.

torrent of bullets

Uses "torrent" suggesting an overwhelming and continuous flow of bullets.

volley of shots

Uses "volley" to describe a simultaneous discharge of bullets, changing the focus from the intensity to the coordinated firing.

onslaught of bullets

Implies an aggressive and forceful attack with bullets.

spray of bullets

Emphasizes the scattered and uncontrolled nature of the bullets fired.

stream of bullets

Suggests a continuous and directed flow of bullets.

burst of gunfire

Replaces "fusillade of bullets" with a more general term, indicating a sudden and intense firing.

rapid gunfire

Focuses on the speed of the gunfire, omitting the image of numerous bullets.

intense shooting

Highlights the intensity of the shooting, without specifying the number of bullets.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "fusillade of bullets" in a sentence?

Use "fusillade of bullets" to describe a scene where there is a rapid and intense series of gunshots. For example, "The soldiers were met with a "fusillade of bullets" as they stormed the beach." It's important to match the intensity of the language with the situation you're describing.

What are some alternatives to "fusillade of bullets"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "barrage of bullets", "hail of bullets", or "volley of shots" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "fusillade of bullets" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "fusillade of bullets" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing historical events or factual accounts of violence. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece to ensure it's appropriate.

What is the difference between "fusillade of bullets" and "volley of shots"?

"Fusillade of bullets" emphasizes the rapid and intense series of gunshots, while "volley of shots" suggests a more coordinated and simultaneous discharge of gunfire.