recklessly shooting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recklessly shooting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done without regard for safety or consequences, often in a violent or dangerous context. Example: "The suspect was charged with recklessly shooting into a crowded area, endangering the lives of many innocent bystanders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The Interior Ministry was criticized over the response to an attack on the American Embassy in September, accused of recklessly shooting and killing fellow Afghans.

The New York Times

He also faces additional charges of possessing illegal ammunition and looks likely to be indicted on the first day of his trial on two more charges for allegedly recklessly shooting guns in public.

Independent

Separately, an Israeli rights group accused the army today of recklessly shooting and firing tank shells into a civilian area, killing three Palestinian civilians in the course of repelling an attack on a Jewish settlement in Gaza.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When they later tried to escape, he recklessly shot them (two survived) and stabbed one, a woman, to death.

The New York Times - Books

The Olympian and Paralympian will stand trial in March, with the new charges alleging he recklessly shot his gun in public in the weeks before Steenkamp's death.

Independent

He declined to give the exact details of the new charges, but South African reports say they relate to two alleged incidents where Pistorius recklessly shot a gun in public.

Independent

Fortunately his pilot son, Dylan Jessie Usherr), is on hand to carry on the Hiller family tradition of looking dashing while flying recklessly fast and shooting aliens.

The Guardian - Film

He tried stopping the van but the driver was driving recklessly and later shot him.

Bloodstain Pattern Evidence Objective Approaches and Case Applications

Russia's orchestration of the civil war in east Ukraine and the shooting down of MH17, with 193 Dutch nationals on board, by separatists recklessly armed by the Kremlin have hardened European opinion.

The Economist

Among their acts: shooting campers with paintball guns, driving their pickup truck (of course) through the camp recklessly, and shouting a whole bunch of anti-Semitic slurs.

Vice

After shooting the two men, Davis called our consulate for help, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle slammed its way through Lahore to get to him, driving recklessly, going up streets the wrong way, breaking traffic laws.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "recklessly shooting", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of concern for safety or consequences. Consider providing details about the potential harm or risks involved.

Common error

Avoid using "recklessly shooting" when a deliberate intent to harm is clear. "Recklessly" implies a lack of care, while intentional acts suggest a different legal and moral framing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recklessly shooting" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing an action performed without due care or regard for the potential consequences. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests a lack of intent to cause harm, but a disregard for safety.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recklessly shooting" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the careless or negligent discharge of a firearm, often with disregard for safety. While grammatically correct, Ludwig shows its usage is relatively infrequent, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure the context reflects a lack of intent to harm, focusing instead on the disregard for potential consequences. Consider alternatives like "firing indiscriminately" or "negligently discharging a firearm" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firing indiscriminately

This alternative emphasizes the lack of selectivity and potential harm caused by the shooting.

negligently discharging a firearm

Focuses on the lack of due care and potential violation of legal standards when handling a firearm.

carelessly firing

Highlights the lack of attention and caution in the act of shooting.

irresponsibly discharging a weapon

Stresses the lack of accountability and potential harm caused by the action.

indifferently shooting

Emphasizes a lack of concern or empathy in the act of shooting.

firing without regard

Highlights the absence of consideration for the safety or well-being of others.

wantonly shooting

Implies a deliberate and malicious disregard for the consequences of the shooting.

wildly shooting

Suggests a lack of control and precision in the act of shooting.

dangerously shooting

Focuses on the inherent risk and potential harm associated with the shooting.

foolishly shooting

Indicates a lack of wisdom and judgment in the decision to shoot.

FAQs

What does "recklessly shooting" mean?

The phrase "recklessly shooting" describes the act of firing a weapon without regard for the safety of others, often implying a disregard for potential consequences.

What are some synonyms for "recklessly shooting"?

Alternatives include "firing indiscriminately", "negligently discharging a firearm", or "carelessly firing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "recklessly shooting" a legal term?

The concept of recklessly discharging a firearm is often a component of various criminal charges, such as reckless endangerment or aggravated assault, where the focus is on the disregard for the safety of others.

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

Example: "The investigation revealed that the officer was charged with recklessly shooting into the crowd, endangering numerous lives.".