randomly shooting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "randomly shooting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing actions that are done without a specific target or plan, often in a violent or chaotic manner. Example: "The news reported incidents of randomly shooting in the area, causing panic among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He spent the next six hours roaming Queens, randomly shooting people wearing red or riding in red cars, prosecutors said.

The New York Times

He then mentioned one in which three men drove around Montgomery, randomly shooting people with an assault rifle, including a woman whose brains had been "blown out".

The New Yorker

The police say two suburban high school students had a pair of loaded handguns, a drawing depicting a killing and the intention of randomly shooting people on campus.

The New York Times

A witness to the attack described how the gunman began "randomly shooting" at people in a hussainiya, a Shia hall used for commemorations.

Independent

One witness told the state broadcaster YLE that a gunman dressed in black began randomly shooting at people on the second floor of the mall.

Independent

The third led a Ku Klux Klan rally at which there was a burning cross 25 to 30 feet high, accompanied by talk of going out and randomly shooting blacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"There were no lights, and I randomly shot three pictures.

The New Yorker

In 2002, Washington DC was terrorised by two roving snipers, who randomly shot and killed 10 people.

The Guardian - Opinion

It said: "There is clear evidence that policemen randomly shot into the crowd with rifles and handguns.

The Guardian

After handing out the pills, the man in the white coat randomly shoots one of the 17 men dead.

The New York Times - Magazine

Teddy Garvin was 17 years old when he was randomly shot to death on a bus last year as it passed through the night in this gun-ridden city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "randomly shooting", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action lacks a specific target or pattern. For clarity, consider specifying who or what is being shot at if the information is available.

Common error

Avoid using "randomly shooting" if the shooting, though seemingly without a clear pattern, still has an underlying motive (e.g., a hate crime targeting a specific group). "Indiscriminately shooting" might be a better fit, or provide context for motivation, if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "randomly shooting" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the action of shooting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the manner in which the shooting is carried out, emphasizing its indiscriminate and unplanned nature. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing acts of violence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "randomly shooting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict instances of shooting incidents lacking specific targets or motives. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's most often found within news and media contexts when describing events involving violence, though can also be observed in wikis as well. When employing "randomly shooting", ensure that the context unequivocally emphasizes the indiscriminate nature of the shooting, preventing confusion regarding potential underlying motivations. Alternatives such as "shooting indiscriminately" and "shooting at random" provide similar meaning and could be preferable in some circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indiscriminate gunfire

Focuses on the lack of discrimination in the shooting.

shooting indiscriminately

Emphasizes the lack of selective targeting.

shooting at random

Highlights the haphazard and unplanned nature of the shooting.

firing blindly

Suggests a lack of aim or direction in the shooting.

shooting without aim

Focuses on the absence of targeted intention.

spraying bullets

Conveys the image of bullets being dispersed without specific targets.

chaotic shooting

Highlights the disorganized and uncontrolled aspect of the violence.

unleashing gunfire

Highlights the sudden and uncontrolled release of bullets.

opening fire wildly

Emphasizes the uncontrolled and chaotic nature of the shooting.

sporadic gunfire

Suggests intermittent and unpredictable bursts of shooting.

FAQs

How can I use "randomly shooting" in a sentence?

You can use "randomly shooting" to describe a situation where someone is firing a weapon without a specific target or plan. For example, "The news reported incidents of randomly shooting in the area, causing panic among residents."

What can I say instead of "randomly shooting"?

You can use alternatives like "shooting indiscriminately" or "shooting at random", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "randomly shooting" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "randomly shooting" is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. However, you can use other phrases like "indiscriminate gunfire" if you prefer.

What does "randomly shooting" imply?

"Randomly shooting" suggests that the shooter is not targeting specific individuals or objects, but rather firing in a haphazard or unplanned manner. The act itself is random.