shoot across

USAGE SUMMARY

"shoot across" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the quick or sudden movement of something or someone from one place to another. Example: The bullet from the gun shot across the room, narrowly missing the target's head. In this sentence, "shoot across" is used to describe the quick movement of the bullet from one side of the room to the other.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"We decided that we'll just hold our breath and shoot across," he said.

The New York Times

COUNTRIES that claim to be the best of friends do not normally shoot across their mutual frontier.

The Economist

At sunset, they watched streaks of purple and gold shoot across a wide-open sky.

The New Yorker

Now, instead of despairing when you see white pull marks shoot across your thighs, you must rejoice.

The New York Times - Style

The winger tried to shoot across Gilks but the goalkeeper got down well to save before grasping the loose ball.

The Guardian - Sport

There, another locomotive and crew take over, hitching the cars to trains that shoot across North America.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The remaining ground warps are raised to form the third shed; then the ground weft is shot across again.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The marginally onside Yakubu tapped in from close range following Nzonzi's wayward shot across goal.

BBC

One the Sony DCR-HC48's best features is its 25x optical zoom that easily shoots across a soccer field.

TechCrunch

In previous shootings, the gunman has shot across greater distances from perches hidden from witnesses.

The New York Times

Pangs shot across my stomach.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoot across" to vividly describe a swift, direct movement, especially when emphasizing speed and linearity. For instance, 'The meteor shot across the night sky, leaving a bright trail.'

Common error

Avoid using "shoot across" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of 'Ideas shot across the meeting room', consider 'Ideas circulated rapidly in the meeting room'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shoot across" is as a phrasal verb describing motion. It combines the verb "shoot" with the preposition "across" to indicate a rapid or direct movement from one side to another. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoot across" is a versatile phrasal verb that effectively conveys rapid and direct movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally considered neutral in tone, writers should avoid overusing it in overly metaphorical contexts, opting for more precise verbs when necessary. Alternative phrases like "speed across" or "dart over" can provide nuanced variations, and understanding the subtle differences can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. When using "shoot across", focus on highlighting the swiftness and linearity of the action for maximum effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

speed across

Uses the verb 'speed' to emphasize the fast pace of movement.

dart over

Emphasizes a quick, sudden movement over a short distance.

flash by

Focuses on the speed and fleeting nature of the movement.

streak past

Highlights the visual effect of something moving very quickly.

zoom through

Focuses on rapid, unimpeded movement.

zip along

Suggests a fast, continuous movement in a particular direction.

race through

Implies moving rapidly through a defined space or area.

fly over

Suggests movement through the air above a surface.

hurtling through

Implies moving with great speed and force.

tear across

Conveys a sense of urgency and haste.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoot across" to describe a rapid or sudden movement from one point to another, such as 'The basketball "shot across" the court' or 'A shooting star "shot across" the sky'.

What are some alternatives to "shoot across"?

Alternatives to "shoot across" include "speed across", "dart over", or "flash by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "shoot across" formal or informal?

"Shoot across" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and formal contexts, though more formal writing may benefit from a more precise verb.

What's the difference between "shoot across" and "move across"?

"Shoot across" implies a much faster and more direct movement than "move across", which simply indicates a change in position.