shoot a cannon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoot a cannon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to historical events, military actions, or metaphorical expressions involving force or impact. Example: "During the reenactment, the soldiers were instructed to shoot a cannon to signal the start of the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You could shoot a cannon at 5 p.m. and you wouldn't hit anybody," Mr. Norick said.

The New York Times

"Usually you can shoot a cannon through here and not hit anybody".

The New York Times

"You could shoot a cannon off in there on game nights and no one would get hit".

The New York Times - Sports

THINGS are normally quiet enough to shoot a cannon down Detroit's Jefferson Avenue on Sunday nights without fear of hitting anyone.

The Economist

"It used to be after Labor Day you could shoot a cannon down the street," said Jerry Taylor, Manzanita's city manager.

The New York Times - Travel

You mustn't shoot a cannon without permission of the mayor, and even then it mustn't be more than a four-pounder.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Patrick Gau, a lawyer who specializes in defending graffiti sprayers, told the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung that the measure was equivalent to "shooting a cannon at birds".

The New York Times

"There were about five years there when you could have shot a cannon off in the place and no one would have heard it," said Chris Denton, the maitre d'hotel of the Los Angeles Mr. Chow.

The New York Times - Style

The company's starting with its recent arcade title Bubble Safari, which is a Match 3-type puzzle game where players have to match up three types of fruit in a row by shooting a cannon.

TechCrunch

To announce the boat's approach, the town would "shoot off a cannon three times — bang, bang, bang".

The New Yorker

Shooting a potato cannon is basically like shooting any other gun.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "shoot a cannon" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended level of force, impact, or dramatic effect. This avoids misinterpretations and enhances the communication.

Common error

While "shoot a cannon" can be impactful, avoid using it too frequently in contemporary writing where other, more nuanced expressions might be more suitable. Modern readers may perceive the phrase as archaic or overly dramatic if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoot a cannon" primarily functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of firing a cannon. It can also be used figuratively to describe something done with great force or impact, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shoot a cannon" is grammatically sound and functions as a verb phrase describing either the literal firing of a cannon or a metaphorical forceful action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Though its occurrence is uncommon, it's primarily found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of impact and drama, and while versatile, it should be used judiciously in modern contexts to avoid sounding archaic. Related phrases include "fire a cannon" and "discharge a cannon", offering subtle nuances in emphasis. Overall, "shoot a cannon" remains a vivid expression for describing impactful actions or events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire a cannon

Focuses more directly on the act of discharging a cannon, often in a military or historical context.

discharge a cannon

Emphasizes the release of energy and the mechanism of the cannon's operation.

blast a cannon

Highlights the explosive and powerful nature of a cannon shot.

launch a cannonball

Specifies the projectile being fired, drawing attention to the cannon's ammunition.

set off a cannon

Emphasizes the initiation of the cannon's firing sequence.

detonate a cannon

Suggests a forceful explosion associated with the cannon firing, possibly emphasizing damage or impact.

trigger a cannon

Focuses on the action of activating the firing mechanism of the cannon.

unleash a cannon

Emphasizes the unrestrained force and impact of a cannon firing.

propel from a cannon

Describes the action of something being forcefully ejected from a cannon.

expel from a cannon

Focuses on the act of forcing something out of the cannon with considerable force.

FAQs

How can I use "shoot a cannon" in a sentence?

You can use "shoot a cannon" literally, referring to the act of firing a cannon, or metaphorically, to describe something forceful or dramatic. For example, "The pirates prepared to shoot a cannon at the approaching ship" or "Her presentation was like shooting a cannon, completely blowing away the competition".

What are some alternatives to "shoot a cannon"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fire a cannon", "discharge a cannon", or use a different metaphor altogether, like "make a big impact".

Is it correct to say "shot a cannon" instead of "shoot a cannon"?

No, "shot a cannon" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "shoot a cannon" (present tense), "shot a cannon" (past participle used with auxiliary verbs like 'had'), or "fired a cannon" (simple past tense).

What does it mean to say something is like being "shot out of a cannon"?

To say something is like being "shot out of a cannon" means it involves a rapid, forceful, and often uncontrolled launch or beginning. It implies a high degree of intensity and momentum from the start, similar to how someone would be propelled from a cannon.