level a gun at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "level a gun at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving threats, confrontations, or discussions about firearms and safety. Example: "The robber leveled a gun at the cashier, demanding all the money in the register."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Second, how does he explain why the claims of Scott – a man whom few, least of all the judge at Thorpe's trial, would describe as a convincing witness – caused elements of the Liberal Party to react, and a former pilot called Andrew Newton to level a gun at Scott, and pull the trigger.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Never point a gun at a person!

WikiHow

He points a gun at Phillip with clear levels of hurt on his face, forcing the agent to be the most honest he's ever been to his friend Stan.

Vice

Police recovered a gun at the scene.

The New York Times

Never aim a gun at another person.

WikiHow

Another 157 were said to have pointed or levelled a gun or non-lethal gun at officers.

The Guardian

And 142 allegedly pointed, raised or levelled a gun or a nonlethal gun at police before being killed.

The Guardian

He levels the gun at them, point-blank, and waits a few more beats.

Vice

Now, standing in the villa outside Monrovia, Chucky levelled his gun at the helpless student before him.

The Guardian

"This is the horrifying moment one of the terrorists in the Kenyan shopping centre attack levelled his gun at cowering hostages, ready to execute them," the paper tells its readers.

The Guardian

There, he said, he saw soldiers level antiaircraft guns at houses and heard accounts of atrocities, including the killing of a woman and a child by an officer, "to teach the neighborhood a lesson," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene involving firearms, be specific about the intent behind "leveling a gun at" someone or something to create a vivid picture. Is it a threat, an act of defense, or something else?

Common error

Avoid using "level" when "aim" is more appropriate if you're describing the general act of pointing a gun. "Level" often carries a stronger implication of intent or threat. For example use "aim a gun at" for general directions and the main phrase for specifics.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "level a gun at" is to describe an action, specifically the act of pointing a firearm in a threatening or intentional manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The examples show its use in describing events of conflict or threat.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "level a gun at" describes the action of pointing a firearm, typically implying a threat or intent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not as common as alternatives like "aim a gun at", it effectively conveys a sense of directness and potential danger. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and intent to ensure the description aligns with the overall message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aim a gun at

A more general term for directing a gun, often used in instructions or descriptions of actions.

Point a gun at

Similar to "aim", but can also imply a less deliberate or precise direction of the gun.

Direct a firearm toward

A more formal and technical way of saying "level a gun at".

Train a weapon on

Implies a more deliberate and prepared action of pointing the weapon.

Draw a bead on

An informal phrase implying careful aiming, often in hunting contexts.

Have a gun trained on

Highlights the state of being targeted rather than the action.

Present a gun at

Similar to "level a gun at", but carries a sense of formality.

Turn a gun toward

Indicates a change in the direction of the gun, focusing on the movement.

Brandish a gun at

Suggests a more aggressive or threatening action of displaying the gun.

Set sights on

Emphasizes the intention of aiming to reach a target, rather than the exact action.

FAQs

What does it mean to "level a gun at" someone?

To "level a gun at" someone means to aim a gun directly at them, often implying a threat or imminent action. It suggests a deliberate act of pointing the weapon.

Is it correct to say "level a gun on" instead of "level a gun at"?

While less common, "level a gun on" might be acceptable in certain contexts, but "level a gun at" is the more standard and widely used phrasing. "Level a gun at" is typically preferred for its clarity and directness.

What are some alternatives to "level a gun at"?

Alternatives include "aim a gun at", "point a gun at", or "train a weapon on", depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

How can I use "level a gun at" in a sentence?

Example: "The robber leveled a gun at the cashier, demanding all the money." This usage indicates a direct and threatening action with the firearm.