it was shooting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shooting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an action that was occurring in the past, often related to photography, film, or a shooting event. Example: "During the festival, it was shooting all day long, capturing the vibrant atmosphere and joyful moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

When textbook tablet startup Kno raised $46 million in September from Andreessen Horowitz and Silicon Valley Bank, it was shooting to price its dual-screen tablet at under $1,000.

TechCrunch

According to Mr Wood, Unilever can sustainably grow its business about 3% a year; it was shooting for 5-6%.Rudy Markham, Unilever's chief financial officer, counters that consumers look for a product and then buy a brand, so his firm needs to focus on brands.

The Economist

Within minutes, it was shooting upward.

The New York Times

"Then I realized it was shooting".

The Guardian

But they did not know how the beetle did it or what it was shooting.

The New York Times - Science

For good reason, they were wary of the state — it was shooting at them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It was shot down.

The New York Times

And it was shot down?

The Washington Post

It was shot over two days.

The New York Times

But it was shot so beautifully.

The New York Times

"It was shot at night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was shooting" in the context of film or photography, ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to (e.g., "the film crew", "the photographer").

Common error

Avoid using "it was shooting" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can lead to confusion. For example, instead of "It was shooting, and the actors were nervous", specify "The director was shooting, and the actors were nervous."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shooting" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a past continuous action. It is commonly used to describe an activity in progress, such as filming a movie, taking photographs, or engaging in military combat. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was shooting" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears frequently in news, film, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the subject of the phrase. Some alternatives, depending on the context, include "it was filming" or "it was photographing". When using this phrase, pay attention to the clarity of the subject and the overall context of the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were filming

Focuses specifically on the act of filming something, rather than a broader sense of shooting.

the filming was underway

Indicates that filming has started and is currently in progress.

the scene was being filmed

Focuses on a particular scene being in the process of filming.

the cameras were rolling

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of filming, suggesting continuous recording.

it was being recorded

Highlights the act of capturing footage or sound.

it was photographing

Specifies the act of taking photographs, narrowing the scope from broader shooting.

they were targeting

Shifts the meaning towards aiming at a specific goal or object, often in a metaphorical sense.

it was aimed at

Highlights the direction or purpose of the shooting, implying a specific target.

the movie was in production

Highlights the stage of the movie production process.

shooting had commenced

Formal way to express the beginning of a shooting process, be it a film or a military operation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was shooting" in a sentence?

You can use "it was shooting" to describe an action that was in progress. For example, "While "it was shooting" a scene, the director called for a break."

What are some alternatives to "it was shooting"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "it was shooting" could include "it was filming", "it was recording", or "it was photographing".

Is "it was shooting" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was shooting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. For example, in news contexts, it is considered neutral.

What does "it was shooting for" mean, and how does it differ from "it was shooting"?

"It was shooting for" means that someone or something was aiming for a specific goal or target. This is different from the literal meaning of ""it was shooting"", which refers to the action of using a camera or weapon.