it fired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it fired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts related to something being ignited, activated, or triggered, often in reference to a gun, engine, or a metaphorical sense of initiating an action. Example: "When I pulled the trigger, it fired with a loud bang, echoing through the empty field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At that point, Judy said, Seth reached for the gun, Amy turned, and "it fired".

The New Yorker

It fired 5,300 workers over five years.

The Washington Post

It fired its Enron engagement partner and disciplined others.

Forbes

It fired five of its 11 employees.

The Guardian - Tech

It fired back, in its first reported military action since late on Sunday evening.

BBC

The bank says it fired 5,300 employees out of its total workforce of 270,000.

Los Angeles Times

It fired me up.

The Guardian - Music

Syria has denied it fired any missiles.

The New York Times

It fired right up, of course.

The New York Times

"It fired us up," Gardner said.

The New York Times - Sports

And then it fired at them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it fired" when you want to describe the action of something being discharged, like a weapon, or when something starts working, like an engine. It's also suitable for describing the act of terminating someone's employment.

Common error

Avoid using "it fired" in highly formal or business communication when referring to employment termination. Opt for more neutral terms like "it terminated" or "it dismissed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it fired" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "it" is the subject and "fired" is the verb in the simple past tense. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing the action of discharging a weapon, starting an engine, or terminating employment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it fired" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe a variety of actions, from discharging a weapon to terminating employment. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it applicable in many contexts. However, depending on the context, alternative phrases like "it discharged" or "it terminated" may be more appropriate. While the phrase is found most frequently in news and media, it remains a useful and understandable expression across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it discharged

Replaces "fired" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the action of releasing something.

it was discharged

Passivizes the verb, shifting focus to the object being released or the employee dismissed.

it was activated

Focuses on the initiation or triggering of a process or device.

it set off

Indicates the beginning of an event or a reaction.

it ignited

Highlights the start of combustion or a metaphorical burst of energy.

it launched

Suggests a deliberate and forceful beginning, often used for projects or campaigns.

it was triggered

Emphasizes an external cause that initiated the action.

it expelled

Indicates a forceful ejection or removal, applicable in contexts of termination or weaponry.

it terminated

Replaces "fired" in the context of employment with a more formal and neutral term.

it dismissed

Suggests a release or discharge, often in reference to people.

FAQs

How can I use "it fired" in a sentence?

You can use "it fired" to describe a weapon discharging (e.g., "I pulled the trigger and "it fired""), an engine starting (e.g., "The engine sputtered, then "it fired" right up"), or an employee being terminated (e.g., "The company announced "it fired" the manager").

What can I say instead of "it fired"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it discharged" (for weapons), "it started" (for engines), or "it terminated" or "it dismissed" (for employment situations).

Which is correct, "it fired" or "it was fired"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "It fired" indicates that something (e.g., a gun or engine) initiated an action. "It was fired" usually implies that something or someone was the recipient of the action, such as "it was fired from a cannon" or "he was fired from his job".

When is it appropriate to use "it fired" in professional communication?

While "it fired" is acceptable in general communication, in professional settings, especially when discussing employment, it's better to use more formal language like "it terminated" or "it dismissed". "It fired" can sound too informal or harsh in a business context.