shot down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shot down" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to reject or dismiss something. For example, "The board of directors shot down my proposal for a new audit system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

MORE: Aircraft shot down could possibly be drone shot down near Kilis, #Turkey.

Independent

And he still knocked the shot down".

The New York Times - Sports

Shot down, not an accident.

The Guardian

Now it's a straight shot down Fifth.

The New York Times

Shot down again.

Forbes

Shot down from the sky.

Vice

Was he shot down?

The New Yorker

She, too, was shot down.

The New York Times

They could be shot down.

The Economist

His blood pressure shot down.

The New York Times - Health

Matt shot down the offer.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shot down" to describe the forceful rejection of ideas, proposals, or even aircraft. Ensure the context makes the intended meaning clear, as it can apply to both abstract and literal scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "shot down" in highly formal contexts where a more professional term like "rejected" or "dismissed" would be more appropriate. For instance, use it carefully in academic papers or formal business communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shot down" primarily functions as a predicate describing an action. It can denote literal destruction (e.g., aircraft) or figurative rejection (e.g., ideas, proposals). As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shot down" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: the literal destruction of an object, often an aircraft, and the figurative rejection of an idea or proposal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral register suggests caution in highly formal settings where more professional alternatives might be preferred. Be mindful of the intended meaning, ensuring the context makes it clear whether you are describing a literal act or a figurative rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected outright

Indicates a complete and immediate refusal.

dismissed immediately

Emphasizes the promptness of the rejection.

turned down flat

Highlights the decisiveness and finality of the rejection.

vetoed decisively

Suggests a powerful authority blocking a proposal or action.

squashed completely

Implies the thorough suppression of an idea or plan.

annihilated in flight

Emphasizes the destruction of an aircraft.

brought down from the sky

Focuses on the act of causing an aircraft to crash.

neutralized as a threat

Highlights the elimination of a potential danger, often in a military context.

thwarted successfully

Focuses on the act of preventing something from happening.

failed to pass

Describes the rejection of a proposal or law.

FAQs

How can I use "shot down" in a sentence?

You can use "shot down" to describe the rejection of an idea, as in, "My proposal was "rejected outright" / "shot down" by the committee." It can also refer to the literal act of destroying something, such as an aircraft.

What does "shot down" mean?

The phrase "shot down" can mean to reject or dismiss something forcefully. It can also refer to the act of destroying an aircraft or other object by shooting it down from the sky.

What are some synonyms for "shot down"?

Some synonyms for "shot down" include "rejected outright", "dismissed immediately", or "turned down flat", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shot down" in a formal setting?

While "shot down" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate to use more formal alternatives such as "rejected" or "dismissed" in professional or academic settings.