is fired upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fired upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is being shot at or attacked, typically in a military or violent scenario. Example: "The soldiers quickly took cover as their position was compromised and they realized they were fired upon by enemy forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A night patrol is fired upon.

The Economist

A protest against internment in Derry on 30 January is fired upon by British troops.

The Guardian

"How can a woman blow herself up when she is fired upon and hit by the soldiers?" asked the officer, Nisar Marwat.

The New York Times

Presented in five movements — a symphonic structure picked up by the German composer Edmund Meisel, whose score for the Berlin premiere is used here — "Potemkin" builds to and recedes from the impeccably designed sequence on the steps, in which a crowd of protesters is fired upon by goose-stepping Cossacks dressed in their white tunics.

The New York Times

It, too, is fired upon.

BBC

It too is fired upon.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"But when our forces are fired upon, as they are routinely, then they have no option but to return fire".

The New York Times

It had been fired upon.

The New York Times

"He could have been fired upon.

Independent

Mosques have been fired upon.

The New York Times

Troops say they were fired upon first.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is fired upon" when you want to emphasize the action of being attacked with weaponry from an external source. It's particularly suitable in formal or official reports, news articles, or historical accounts.

Common error

Avoid using "is fired upon" when you intend to describe someone firing a weapon. The phrase is in the passive voice, meaning the subject receives the action. For example, instead of "He is fired upon," use "He fired upon the enemy" if he's the one shooting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is fired upon" is to act as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, specifically being shot at. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used in various contexts, primarily to describe military or violent situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is fired upon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction indicating that someone or something is being shot at or attacked with weapons. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it tends to lean towards professional, particularly in formal reports or accounts. When using this phrase, ensure that the focus is on the recipient of the action and avoid confusing it with active voice constructions. Alternatives such as "is shot at" or "is under fire" can be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is shot at

A more direct and common alternative, focusing on the act of shooting.

is under fire

Emphasizes the state of being actively attacked, often continuously.

is bombarded with gunfire

Highlights the intensity and volume of the attack.

is targeted by weapons

Focuses on the deliberate targeting aspect of the attack.

is attacked

A broader term indicating any form of assault, not necessarily with firearms.

receives gunfire

A more formal and passive way of describing being shot at.

is strafed

Specifically refers to an attack from the air with machine-gun fire.

is shelled

Implies an attack with artillery shells.

is met with resistance

Describes the response to an action, which may include being fired upon.

is engaged

Military jargon for being involved in combat, which includes exchanging fire.

FAQs

What does "is fired upon" mean?

The phrase "is fired upon" means that someone or something is being shot at or attacked with weapons. It implies that they are the target of gunfire or other projectiles.

When is it appropriate to use "is fired upon"?

Use "is fired upon" when the focus is on the receiver of the action, rather than the shooter. For example, "The troops "were fired upon" while crossing the border" emphasizes what happened to the troops.

Are there synonyms for "is fired upon"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "is shot at", "is under fire", or "is attacked" depending on the specific context.

How does "is fired upon" differ from "fired upon"?

"Is fired upon" is a complete verb phrase in the passive voice, while "fired upon" can function as a past participle used adjectivally (e.g., "the fired upon vehicle"). The inclusion of "is" makes it a full verb phrase describing an action in progress or a state.