guns like these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guns like these" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific types or categories of guns in a comparative context. Example: "In situations like these, it's essential to have guns like these for protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Guns like these are often used for training.

The New York Times

That point -- that criminals do not buy guns in gun stores and that they do not typically buy large guns like these, which, with an angular, M-16-like profile, would draw immediate attention in public -- has been a central argument for gun owners and many Republican lawmakers who are against the bill.

The New York Times

"Guns like these are highly illegal to transport even if they were to used as stage guns, which hopefully they weren't," Hajdu Janos and Zsolt Bodnar, the director and deputy director of Hungary's Anti-Terrorism Unit, told the magazine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nothing silences guns like the prospect of no victory.

The New York Times

But the law does not apply to pellet and BB guns like the one Jaime had.

The New York Times

The legislation is aimed squarely at 3D printed guns like the so-called Liberator.

TechCrunch

Or the pellet guns like this one.

Vice

Nerf guns like the Stampede ECS and the Vulcan EBF-25 have this ability.

WikiHow

This goes especially for external firing guns like the Firestrike and Triad.

WikiHow

Their weapons will consist of more powerful secondary guns, like the Barrel Break IX-2.

WikiHow

Depending on range, certain guns like the ak47 and desert eagle are instant headshots even with a helmet.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guns like these", ensure the context clearly establishes what "these" refers to, providing a specific category or model of guns for comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "guns like these" without a clear antecedent. If the type of gun hasn't been explicitly mentioned, the phrase becomes ambiguous and loses its comparative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guns like these" serves as a comparative reference, indicating a specific category or type of firearm that shares characteristics with others. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage relies on a contextual understanding of what "these" refers to.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guns like these" is a grammatically correct phrase used to make comparisons to previously referenced firearms. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. To ensure clarity, writers should avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the characteristics of the guns they are comparing. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "firearms of this type" or specifying the gun type directly. The phrase, while generally neutral, benefits from clear contextual references to maintain precision and avoid potential vagueness. Remember that the effectiveness of "guns like these" hinges on the audience's understanding of the reference point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firearms of this type

Replaces "guns" with a more formal synonym and maintains the comparative aspect.

weapons such as these

Uses "weapons" as a broader term instead of "guns", while retaining the comparative reference.

similar firearms

Emphasizes the similarity between the guns being discussed and others.

these kinds of guns

A more descriptive and less formal alternative to the original phrase.

guns of this nature

Uses a slightly more formal tone to describe the guns.

weapons in this category

Focuses on the categorization of the weapons being discussed.

guns of this variety

Highlights the variety or type of guns being referred to.

these specific guns

Emphasizes that particular guns are referred to, not just any random guns.

guns of similar make

Highlights the make and model and is appropriate in more technical discussions about guns.

guns of the aforementioned type

Implies the guns are of a previously mentioned kind, more suitable for formal writing.

FAQs

How can I use "guns like these" in a sentence?

Use "guns like these" to refer to a specific type or category of guns that have already been mentioned or are easily understood from the context. For instance, "Given the rise in home invasions, many people are considering purchasing "shotguns for self defense", and in situations like these, it's essential to have "guns like these" for protection."

What are some alternatives to "guns like these"?

You can use phrases such as "firearms of this type", "weapons such as these", or "similar firearms" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "guns like these" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "guns like these" might be considered less formal. For academic or professional contexts, consider using more precise and descriptive alternatives such as "firearms of this type" or specifying the type of gun directly.

What's the difference between "guns like these" and "these types of guns"?

The phrases are very similar, but "guns like these" implies a direct comparison or reference to previously mentioned guns. "These types of guns" is a general statement referring to specific categories or kinds of guns without necessarily making a direct comparison.