multiple shots over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple shots over" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing repeated attempts or actions, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "After multiple shots over the course of the game, the team finally scored."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Some of his images require multiple shots over a period of six hours or more.

The New York Times

Some of Mr. Liao's images require multiple shots over a period of six hours or more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the practice of FSA photographers to take multiple shots, which would later be edited by Stryker, who over the course of the program rejected one hundred thousand negatives.

Johns Hopkins University

As you probably guessed, things do not go according to plan, and we're soon treated to multiple shots of handsome men grimly dragging duffel bags of money over the mountains.

TechCrunch

Multiple shots.

The New York Times

Multiple shots fired.

The Guardian

"Then multiple, multiple shots," he said.

The New York Times

Then multiple shots are fired.

Independent

Multiple shots can occur in a suicide.

The New York Times

Both men testified that they had heard multiple shots.

The New York Times

Neighbors describe hearing multiple shots fired around 5 p.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports writing, use "multiple shots over" to describe situations where several attempts exceed a certain target or score.

Common error

Avoid using "multiple shots over" vaguely. Instead, specify what the "shots" refer to (e.g., attempts, exposures) and what they are going "over" (e.g., a target, a limit) to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple shots over" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to indicate repeated attempts or actions that exceed a certain limit or target. Ludwig notes that the phrase lacks clarity without additional context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "multiple shots over" is an acceptable but not particularly common phrase used to describe repeated attempts or actions exceeding a limit. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is not standard in written English and may cause confusion. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, with a neutral register. To enhance clarity, consider using alternatives like "several attempts" or "numerous shots beyond", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several shots exceeding

This alternative specifies that the shots are exceeding a certain limit or target.

numerous shots beyond

Replaces "multiple" with "numerous" and "over" with "beyond", indicating shots going past a boundary.

many shots surpassing

Suggests that the shots are surpassing a specific value or standard.

various shots above

Implies that the shots are above a particular level or threshold.

multiple attempts beyond

Focuses on the attempts rather than the shots, suggesting repeated efforts that go beyond a limit.

multiple efforts surpassing

Replaces "shots" with "efforts", emphasizing the exertion put in to surpass a standard.

several tries exceeding

Uses "tries" to denote attempts and "exceeding" to indicate going beyond a limit.

numerous endeavors beyond

More formal, replacing "shots" with "endeavors" to highlight the efforts made.

various attempts surpassing

Highlights different attempts made to surpass a set standard.

many tries exceeding

Simple and direct, suggesting repeated attempts that go beyond a set limit.

FAQs

How can I use "multiple shots over" in a sentence about photography?

You might say, "The photographer achieved the stunning effect by using "multiple shots" layered over each other in post-processing."

What's a less ambiguous way to phrase "multiple shots over" in sports writing?

Instead of "multiple shots over", consider using phrases like "several attempts beyond" or "numerous shots exceeding" to clearly indicate that attempts or shots went past a defined boundary.

Is "multiple shots over" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "multiple shots over" is not a standard or widely used phrase. Consider using more common alternatives like "several attempts" or "numerous tries" for better clarity.

In what contexts is "multiple shots over" most likely to appear?

"Multiple shots over" might appear in discussions related to photography, sports, or any situation involving repeated attempts exceeding a specific limit or target. However, it's always best to prioritize clarity.