shooting at random

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shooting at random" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done without a specific target or purpose, often implying a lack of control or direction. Example: "The suspect was reported to be shooting at random, endangering the lives of innocent bystanders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A: The Jews were shooting at random.

Columbia University

"The police were just shooting at random people.

The New Yorker

"I think he was just shooting at random, at whomever he thought he could hit," Mr. Gilyard said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The gunmen continued shooting at random targets, the report said, and tossing bombs as they walked toward the library, where they shot and killed another 10 people.

The New York Times

No motive has been suggested and the police have said that Mr. Lane told them he did not know the victims and was shooting at random.

The New York Times

The authorities had not determined if she was selecting the victims, all women except one, or shooting at random in what was one of the deadliest rampages at a Postal Service building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The shift in method — from a bomb targeting an individual or their family to a device that could kill a random passerby — evokes past attacks that created climates of fear, such as the Washington-area sniper shootings that gripped the D.C. region for weeks in 2002 as victims were shot at random.

The Washington Post

They decided to shoot at random.

The Guardian - Sport

They began to shoot at random.

The Guardian

Mr O'Carroll had believed Peter O'Carroll was shot at random by drunken British soldiers.

Independent

They say the youths planned to hijack a car, gun down three teenagers they considered enemies and shoot at random in Oaklyn before driving westward.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shooting at random", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action lacks a specific target or intended victim. This helps avoid misinterpretations and accurately conveys the chaotic or indiscriminate nature of the shooting.

Common error

Avoid using "shooting at random" when there is evidence of a specific target or motive, even if some shots appear undirected. Using the phrase inappropriately can misrepresent the situation and create confusion about the shooter's intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shooting at random" functions as a verb phrase describing an action (shooting) modified by a prepositional phrase indicating the manner in which it is performed (at random). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its function across various sentence structures and contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shooting at random" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe indiscriminate gunfire without a specific target. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news media, academic discussions, and scientific analyses. The phrase conveys a sense of chaos and unpredictability, and while grammatically straightforward, it's important to use it accurately to avoid misrepresenting the intent behind the shooting. Alternatives like "firing indiscriminately" or "unleashing gunfire aimlessly" can provide nuanced variations, yet "shooting at random" remains a widely understood and accepted way to depict this type of event. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is most frequently found in reputable news sources, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firing indiscriminately

Focuses on the lack of discrimination in the firing, highlighting that anyone could be a target.

spraying bullets randomly

Emphasizes the wide distribution of bullets without a specific target.

unleashing gunfire aimlessly

Highlights the lack of direction or purpose in the gunfire.

shooting without aim

Directly states the absence of a specific target or goal.

opening fire randomly

Focuses on the initiation of gunfire without a clear purpose.

blindly firing weapons

Emphasizes the lack of awareness or vision while shooting.

indiscriminate shooting

Highlights the lack of selection in the act of shooting.

random gunfire incidents

Describes events where gunfire occurs without a predictable pattern.

uncontrolled shooting spree

Focuses on the lack of regulation during a shooting event.

unleashing a hail of bullets haphazardly

Emphasizes the chaotic and unplanned nature of the gunfire.

FAQs

How to use "shooting at random" in a sentence?

You can use "shooting at random" to describe a situation where someone is firing a weapon without a specific target or pattern. For example: "The gunmen were "firing indiscriminately", hitting innocent bystanders".

What can I say instead of "shooting at random"?

Alternatives include "firing indiscriminately", "spraying bullets randomly", or "unleashing gunfire aimlessly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "random shooting" instead of "shooting at random"?

"Random shooting" can be used as a noun phrase to describe an event, while "shooting at random" is a verb phrase describing the action itself. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. For example, "The incident involved "random shooting"" versus "The suspect was "shooting at random"".

What's the difference between "shooting at random" and "targeted shooting"?

"Shooting at random" implies there is no specific target or motive, whereas "targeted shooting" indicates a deliberate selection of a victim or location. The former suggests chaos or indiscriminate violence, while the latter suggests premeditation or a specific objective.