shelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military actions, agriculture, or cooking, depending on the specific meaning intended. Example: "The shelling of the city caused widespread destruction and panic among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Ukrainian soldiers share horrors of Debaltseve battle after stinging defeat "Guys are running out on foot through the fields because [rebels] are shelling vehicles.

The Guardian

Ambulances tried to evacuate patients but were forced to turn back by continued shelling.

The Guardian

Fertile fields famed for their melons, wheat and barley are now parched wastelands after irrigation canals were destroyed by shelling.

The Guardian

Then Darling stopped bank bosses taking bonuses but allowed RBS to keep shelling out to the overpaid troops on trading floors on the basis that without the payments, they would walk out of the door – and take lucrative business with them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turkey and Syria have been firing artillery and mortars across their volatile border since last week after shelling from Syria killed five civilians.

The Guardian

Some of the people here are talking about Jabhat al-Nusra being able to get anti-aircraft missiles from abroad, which stops the Syrian army shelling the the city with planes.

The Guardian

The Israeli army is shelling the district intensely day and night since the outbreak of the war..

The Guardian

Last year, James Watson, who helped to discover the double-helix structure of DNA, put his own medal up for auction, only for the new owner, billionaire Alisher Usmanov, to return it to the biologist – despite shelling out £2.6m.

The Guardian

Rebels have been heavily shelling any vehicles on a 10-mile stretch of the "road of life" connecting Debaltseve and Artemivsk.

The Guardian

I saw a MiG fighter shelling an area and I saw the smoke columns.

The Guardian

Journalists in Donetsk reported incoming and outgoing fire and tweeted photographs of rebel armour on the move and damage from shelling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military conflicts, use "shelling" to specifically indicate an artillery bombardment, ensuring clarity and avoiding vagueness.

Common error

Be precise in your use of "shelling". Avoid using it metaphorically when a more appropriate term like "criticizing" or "attacking" would better convey your intended meaning. Stick to its literal sense to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The term "shelling" primarily functions as a noun describing an artillery bombardment, or as a verb referring to the act of launching shells. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing military actions. It also has uses related to food preparation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shelling" is a versatile term primarily used to describe an artillery bombardment but also applicable to removing shells from food. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While it's mostly neutral in tone, context dictates formality. To avoid ambiguity, ensure clarity when using "shelling", especially in contexts outside military descriptions. Alternatives like "bombardment" or "artillery fire" may provide more precise meanings in certain situations. Remember to specify the nature of the action when it comes to the meaning of the food.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bombardment

Refers to a continuous attack with bombs or artillery; a more formal and general term.

artillery fire

Specifically indicates the use of large-caliber guns in an attack; emphasizes the type of weapon used.

cannonading

Implies a heavy and sustained attack with cannons; emphasizes the intensity and historical aspect.

barrage

Suggests a concentrated outpouring of projectiles or criticism; can be used both literally and figuratively.

attack with heavy weapons

Describes the action of attacking using substantial military equipment, broadening the context.

raining shells

A more descriptive and vivid way to convey the intensity of an artillery attack.

saturation fire

Indicates a deliberate tactic to cover an area with a high density of projectiles.

mortar attack

Specifies the use of mortars in an offensive, adding precision to the method of attack.

onslaught

Implies a fierce or destructive attack; can be more broadly applied beyond military contexts.

pounding

Suggests a repeated and forceful impact; can be literal or figurative and can be used to describe a relentless attack.

FAQs

How is the term "shelling" used in military contexts?

In military contexts, "shelling" typically refers to an artillery bombardment where shells are fired at a specific target or area. It often implies a sustained and intense attack. For similar concepts, see "bombardment", "artillery fire", or "cannonading".

What are some alternative terms for "shelling" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternative terms like "bombardment", "artillery fire", or "barrage". Each of these carries a slightly different connotation related to the intensity and type of attack.

Is "shelling" only used in reference to military actions?

While "shelling" is most commonly used to describe military attacks, it can also refer to the process of removing shells from nuts or seeds. However, this usage is less frequent. When describing military attacks, alternatives as "mortar attack" could be more specific.

How does "shelling" differ from other forms of attack?

"Shelling" specifically implies the use of artillery or shells. Other forms of attack might include airstrikes, which involve aircraft, or ground assaults, which involve infantry. Alternatives to "shelling" could include "onslaught".