shooting up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shooting up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts referring to a rapid increase in something, such as prices or statistics, or in a more informal context related to drug use. Example: "The cost of living has been shooting up over the past year, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Beer sales are shooting up.

The Economist

Unemployment is shooting up, especially in Moscow.

The Economist

Then he saw flames shooting up.

Independent

But I took the shot — shooting up".

The New York Times

Prices of basic goods are shooting up.

The Economist

FAMILY doctors' pay is shooting up.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Taxes shot up.

The Economist

My hand shot up.

The New York Times

My eyebrows shot up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You're shot up.

The New York Times

His temperature shot up.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the double meaning of "shooting up". When referring to drug use, ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. In formal settings, consider using more explicit language.

Common error

Avoid using "shooting up" in contexts where the sudden rise could be misinterpreted as drug use, especially in sensitive or professional communications. Choose alternatives like "increasing rapidly" or "skyrocketing" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shooting up" is that of a verb phrase, typically used as a present participle, indicating an ongoing action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in describing rapidly increasing trends, such as "beer sales are shooting up."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shooting up" is a versatile verb phrase with two primary meanings: to increase rapidly or to inject drugs intravenously. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While "shooting up" enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news and media, it's essential to consider the context to avoid ambiguity, particularly given its dual meaning. When clarity is paramount, especially in formal or sensitive communications, alternatives such as "increasing rapidly", "rising sharply", or "injecting drugs" should be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the increase, omitting the upward trajectory implied by "up".

rising sharply

Emphasizes the steepness of the rise, a more formal alternative.

skyrocketing

Implies a very sudden and dramatic increase, more emphatic than "shooting up".

surging

Suggests a powerful and continuous upward movement.

escalating quickly

Highlights the quick progression of the increase, often used in the context of problems or conflicts.

injecting drugs

Specifies the action of injecting drugs, removing the ambiguity of the original phrase.

taking intravenously

A more formal and clinical way to describe drug injection.

administering intravenously

Emphasizes the administration method of drug injection with a clinical tone.

the rates are climbing

It focuses on the increase of rates.

growing exponentially

It conveys the growth in a mathematical jargon.

FAQs

What does "shooting up" mean?

The phrase "shooting up" can mean either a rapid increase or injecting drugs intravenously. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What are some alternatives to "shooting up" when referring to a rapid increase?

Alternatives include "increasing rapidly", "rising sharply", or "skyrocketing", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "shooting up" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "shooting up" may be too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider alternatives like "rising significantly" or "increasing dramatically".

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "shooting up"?

To avoid confusion, provide sufficient context to clarify whether you're referring to a rapid increase or drug injection. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, use a more explicit phrase.