shoot into

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoot into" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is propelled or directed into a specific area or target, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The artist decided to shoot into the canvas with vibrant colors, creating a stunning visual impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't shoot into people's windows".

The New York Times

"They shoot into the square every night," Samie said.

The New York Times - Magazine

And plumes of smoke would shoot into the air.

The Washington Post

Sometimes you shoot into valleys, around trees and across streams.

The New York Times - Arts

They shoot into bright lights, they shoot into the dark and against low ceilings, till every scene comes with the impact of something never seen before.

The New Yorker

"They say, 'We know you, we know your family.' Sometimes they shoot into the air".

The New York Times

Small items whizz round a two-kilometre carousel and shoot into cardboard boxes.

The Economist

falling to the floor and then the officer continuing to shoot into the teenager's body.

Independent

"Or she'll put one in your groin, and pain might shoot into the big toe".

The New York Times - Sports

They were almost upon him when he finally had a chance to shoot into traffic.

The New Yorker

And then the last thing, he would shoot into the air.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shoot into" metaphorically, ensure the image you're creating is vivid and appropriate for your audience. Overuse can diminish the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "shoot into" in contexts where a gentler, more subtle action is intended. The phrase carries a sense of force or suddenness that may be unsuitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoot into" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of propelling something, either literally or figuratively, into a specific location or state. As shown by Ludwig, this can apply to physical objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoot into" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe actions involving force, direction, or sudden change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis, the phrase effectively communicates a vivid image of propulsion or impact. While grammatically sound, writers should be mindful of its connotation and ensure it aligns with the intended tone, especially in formal writing. Consider alternatives such as "fire upon" or "propel into" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire upon

Focuses more directly on the act of firing a weapon at a target.

discharge into

Emphasizes the act of releasing something into a specific space or container.

propel into

Highlights the forceful movement of an object into a location.

launch towards

Similar to propel, but can imply a more directed or aimed action.

send flying into

Conveys a sense of rapid or uncontrolled movement into a place.

direct at

Focuses on the aiming or directing of something, like light or criticism.

inject into

Implies a forcing of something into a confined space.

stream into

Suggests a continuous flow or movement into a space.

pour into

Similar to stream, but emphasizes the volume or quantity entering.

flood into

Implies an overwhelming influx or entry into a space.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoot into" to describe a forceful or sudden movement into a specific area, like "The basketball player managed to shoot into the basket" or metaphorically, as in "The company's stock price shot into record highs".

What can I say instead of "shoot into"?

You can use alternatives like "fire upon", "discharge into", or "propel into" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shoot into" in formal writing?

While "shoot into" is grammatically correct, its strong connotation might make it less suitable for extremely formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "direct at" or "inject into" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "shoot into" and "burst into"?

"Shoot into" implies a directed and often forceful entry, while "burst into" suggests a sudden and energetic entry. For example, "shoot into the air" indicates propulsion, whereas "burst into laughter" describes an emotional outpouring.