number of shots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "number of shots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the quantity of shots taken in various contexts, such as photography, sports, or medical procedures. Example: "The photographer captured a remarkable number of shots during the event, showcasing every moment beautifully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Investigators won't divulge the exact number of shots).

The New Yorker

A small number of shots appeared to have been fired.

The Guardian

"We weren't concerned about the number of shots," Hull said.

The New York Times - Sports

The number of shots became a paradigm of police excess.

The New Yorker

They can take an unlimited number of shots.

The New York Times

The total number of shots fired by police officers, however, increased, as did the number of shots — 478 — fired during confrontations.

The New York Times

Houston and Sprewell said they were not trying to change the number of shots they take.

The New York Times - Sports

The medical examiner did not disclose the number of shots fired.

The Guardian

"We asked Joe to stand in for himself on a number of shots," Mr. Macdonald said.

The New York Times

The two officers then fired an undetermined number of shots, the police said.

The New York Times

He was taking an inordinate number of shots and was missing an inordinate number of them.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports reporting, use "number of shots on goal" or "number of shots attempted" to provide specific context and avoid vagueness. Be mindful of the sport's terminology.

Common error

Avoid using "number of shots" when you mean "number of attempts". In basketball, for instance, a shot is only recorded if it hits the basket. Clarify whether you're discussing all attempts or successful shots.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of shots" functions primarily as a noun phrase that quantifies the action of shooting. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing events involving firearms, sports statistics, and photographic endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number of shots" is a versatile and widely used noun phrase for quantifying shooting instances in various contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in news, scientific publications, and other domains. While "quantity of shots" and "amount of shots" can serve as alternatives, being precise and adapting to the specific context helps avoid potential misinterpretations. The frequency of its occurrence in news and media highlights its importance in conveying factual information about events involving firearms or sports, making it a crucial phrase to understand and use accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantity of shots

Replaces "number" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount of shots.

amount of shots

Substitutes "number" with "amount", focusing on the total sum of shots.

count of shots

Uses "count" instead of "number", suggesting a tallying of shots.

total shots

A more concise version, omitting "number of" for brevity.

volume of shots

Replaces "number" with "volume", which might be more appropriate in certain scientific or technical contexts.

frequency of shots

Focuses on how often shots occur rather than the total quantity.

incidence of shots

Implies the rate at which shots are happening, often in a statistical sense.

numerical value of shots

More formal and precise, suitable for technical or scientific writing.

the tally of shots

Suggests a calculated total, perhaps after an event.

shot frequency

A more concise way of saying "how often shots occur".

FAQs

How can I use "number of shots" in a sentence?

You can use "number of shots" in a variety of contexts. For example, "The police did not disclose the "number of shots" fired" or "The goalie faced a high "number of shots" during the game".

What is a more formal way to say "number of shots"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "quantity of shots" or "total shots taken" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated tone.

Is it better to say "number of shots fired" or "amount of shots fired"?

While both are acceptable, "number of shots fired" is generally preferred for its precision and common usage, especially in formal or technical contexts. The phrase "amount of shots fired" is less common but understandable.

How does the context affect the meaning of "number of shots"?

The context greatly influences the interpretation of "number of shots". In sports, it might refer to scoring opportunities. In crime reports, it signifies potential violence. In photography, it simply indicates the number of photographs taken.