shot upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shot upon" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers. Example: "The arrow was shot upon the target, hitting it dead center."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But again we see her, as, nobly withstanding the shock, she presses on, letting slip a 15-inch solid shot upon Fort Sumter.

The New York Times

I will miss especially the swagger, sharp wit, and excessive use of profanity of Al Swearengen, brilliantly played by Ian McShane, as he pours shot upon shot of whiskey and stares with keen eyes upon the camp.

The New Yorker

White again said that Rousey will receive an immediate title shot upon her return.

The Guardian - Sport

After Colombia defender Andreas Escobar was shot upon his return home from the 1994 World Cup, one of his friends, Jurgen Griesbeck, decided to tackle the country's gang culture.

The Guardian

Dravid reads long books and does not expect a man to be shot upon every page".

BBC

Some Chinese died in the burning houses, while others were shot upon leaving their homes or committed suicide in desperation.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The visitors had much the better of the second half; "shot after shot rained upon the Small Heath goal, and it was only by swarming round Charsley that the Coventry road men kept the ball out".

Wikipedia

Officers responded to the location following a report of a person shot, and upon arrival the victim was found with at least one gunshot wound.

The New York Times

However, at a striking velocity of about 2,600 feet (800 metres) per second, steel shot shatters upon impact instead of penetrating.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Straight ahead, through large casement windows, came that expansive view of downtown Manhattan, what the real-estate agent had called the money shot: building upon building, in stacks and layers, die-cut against blue.

The New Yorker

They tried and failed to disarm him using tear gas, and after an armed, SWAT-like team was also fired upon, police shot Sigrid.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "fired at" or "shot at" to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "shot upon" interchangeably with "shot at" or "fired at" without careful consideration of the context. "Shot at" generally implies an attempt to hit, while "shot upon" is less common and may not convey the intended meaning clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shot upon" functions as a passive construction where an object or person is the recipient of a shooting action. Despite some usage, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a standard or correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "shot upon" is found in some contexts, it is not considered a standard or grammatically correct expression according to Ludwig AI. It functions to describe a shooting action directed at a target, but its infrequent usage makes it less clear than alternatives like "shot at" or "fired upon". Predominantly used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, it is advisable to opt for more common and unambiguous phrases in both formal and informal writing to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations. In essence, prioritizing clarity and precision in language is paramount, especially when alternative phrases offer more widely understood and grammatically sound options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fired at

Replaces "shot" with "fired", offering a more standard and direct way to express the action of shooting towards something.

attacked with gunfire

Substitutes "shot upon" with a more descriptive phrase highlighting the method of attack using firearms.

under fire

Emphasizes the state of being targeted by gunfire, shifting the focus to the recipient of the action.

subjected to shooting

Replaces "shot upon" with a formal term highlighting the shooting action.

targeted by shots

Highlights the act of targeting with shots, providing a more precise description of the action.

pelted with bullets

Changes from projectile, implying a continuous barrage.

assailed with gunfire

Replaces “shot upon” to underscore intensity of the gunfire.

in the line of fire

Highlights exposure to danger of a target, being at the place someone is shooting to.

exposed to shooting

Indicates a vulnerability to gunfire, focusing on the condition of being at risk.

bombarded with shots

Suggests the target is being shot from many directions.

FAQs

What is a better way to say "shot upon"?

Common and clearer alternatives to "shot upon" include "shot at" or "fired upon", depending on the specific context. These options are more widely accepted and less likely to cause confusion.

Is "shot upon" grammatically correct?

While "shot upon" appears in some contexts, it is not considered standard English. Using "shot at" or "fired upon" is generally recommended for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

When should I use "fired upon" instead of "shot upon"?

"Fired upon" is a more formal and widely accepted alternative to "shot upon". Use "fired upon" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the act of discharging a firearm towards something. In many cases, "shot at" is also a suitable and more common choice.

What does "shot upon" mean?

"Shot upon" implies that someone or something was targeted with gunfire or projectiles. However, due to its less common usage, it's better to use clearer alternatives like "shot at" or "fired upon" to avoid ambiguity.