shooting blindly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shooting blindly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe acting without clear direction or understanding, often in a haphazard or reckless manner. Example: "In the meeting, he was shooting blindly, making suggestions without any data to back them up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The video showed a man shooting blindly into the crowd; I could hear protestors identify him as a member of the Basij.

The New York Times

"Two or three men, without masks, came in with Kalashnikov-type automatic weapons and began shooting blindly at the crowd... it lasted 10, 15 minutes.

The Guardian

There's the cowardice and savagery of shooting blindly into an assembled crowd, sure, but there's an extra degree of spitefulness here — the rancor required to deliberately turn a plainly joyful gathering into a mass grave.

The New Yorker

ART: RENAISSANCE TREASURE FOUND -- A digital camera, thrust inside a hole used by pigeons and shooting blindly, has led an art restoration team to a Renaissance fresco of winged angels hidden from view for more than three centuries in the ceiling of the cathedral in Valencia, Spain.

The New York Times - Books

The returned troops told of the slaughter of civilians; "reconnaissance by fire," or soldiers shooting blindly; "harassment and interdiction fire," with artillery being used to shell villages; captives thrown from helicopters; severed ears drying in the sun or being swapped for beers; and "Zippo inspections" of cigarette lighters in preparation for burning villages.

The New York Times

The result, says Stanford University imaging researcher Dr. Sanjiv Gambhir: "Everyone is shooting blindly".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Why just shoot blindly three times to kill, even if it is a burglar?

The New Yorker

In another scene, several residents in the flimsy apartment complex where Niku lives with his parents aim their guns out the windows and shoot blindly at the sky.

The New York Times

There is a bear mauling my leg! Ranger Duncan: How about I just close my eyes and shoot blindly in your general direction?

Huffington Post

Ten years later, ESPN described the goal as a "leaping, behind-the-back" shot, while the Baltimore Sun described the shot by saying that "...Sims flicked in a rebound shot blindly behind his back".

Wikipedia

Boston - Boston officials settled for $4.5 million in the case of Rekia Boyd, who was killed when an off-duty officer shot blindly over his shoulder into a group of men.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "shooting blindly", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of aim, information, or direction. This prevents misinterpretations and enhances the vividness of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "shooting blindly" to simply mean 'shooting'. The phrase specifically implies a lack of direction or intention, not just the act of firing a weapon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shooting blindly" functions as a verb phrase modified by an adverb. It describes the manner in which an action (shooting) is performed. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase implies a lack of aim, direction, or understanding during the act of shooting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shooting blindly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, meaning to act without aim or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While versatile, it's crucial to use it in contexts where a lack of direction is clearly implied. Related phrases like "firing at random" or "aimless shooting" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember that while "shooting blindly" is acceptable for formal writing, being precise about its intent is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blindly firing

This is a simple variation that swaps the position of the adverb.

shooting without aiming

Directly points out the absence of the aiming process before shooting.

firing at random

Focuses on the randomness of the action, emphasizing the lack of a specific target.

aimless shooting

Highlights the absence of a specific goal or direction in the shooting action.

unsighted shooting

Focuses on the lack of sight or visual guidance during the shooting action.

indiscriminate firing

Emphasizes the lack of discrimination in targeting, suggesting a broad and uncontrolled action.

shooting haphazardly

Emphasizes the chaotic and unsystematic manner of shooting.

shooting wildly

Highlights the uncontrolled and frantic manner of the shooting.

random gunfire

Focuses on the randomness and undirected nature of the gunfire itself.

shooting erratically

Emphasizes the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of the shooting.

FAQs

What does "shooting blindly" mean?

The phrase "shooting blindly" means acting or proceeding without clear aim, direction, or information. It often implies a lack of understanding or foresight.

How can I use "shooting blindly" in a sentence?

You can use "shooting blindly" to describe someone acting recklessly or without proper knowledge, such as, "The company was "shooting blindly" with their new marketing campaign, hoping something would stick."

What are some alternatives to "shooting blindly"?

Alternatives to "shooting blindly" include "firing at random", "aimless shooting", or "indiscriminate firing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shooting blindly" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "shooting blindly" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying a critical or analytical perspective. It effectively illustrates a lack of direction or informed decision-making. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register.