stray bullet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stray bullet" is correct and commonly used in written English.
"Stray bullet" refers to a bullet that unintentionally strays from its intended target and hits something else. It is often used in the context of accidental shootings or when describing the danger of random gunfire. Example: The innocent bystander was struck by a stray bullet during the shootout between the police and the criminals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barron was killed by a stray bullet.

The Economist

"It was a stray bullet," he said.

The New York Times

"I got hit by a stray bullet.

The Guardian

Police believe she was hit by a stray bullet.

The New York Times

Their college-bound daughter was killed by a stray bullet.

The Washington Post

Recently, a stray bullet killed a Spanish tourist.

The Guardian

Or where a stray bullet can snuff a dream.

The Washington Post

A stray bullet also struck a bystander in the back.

The New York Times

He was shot in the ankle by a stray bullet.

The New York Times

"Linval suffered a minor injury during the shooting when a stray bullet struck his calf.

The Guardian

"People are afraid to even go out shopping for fear of a stray bullet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about incidents involving gunfire, use "stray bullet" to clearly indicate that the bullet was not intentionally aimed at the victim. This term is commonly understood and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stray bullet" to imply that the bullet appeared out of nowhere. The phrase describes a bullet that deviated from its intended path, so ensure the context provides information about the initial firing of the weapon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stray bullet" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing an errant projectile causing unintended harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Vice

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stray bullet" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term referring to a bullet that unintentionally strays from its intended target. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most often encountered in contexts related to accidental shootings or the dangers of random gunfire. Ludwig examples, predominantly sourced from News & Media, highlight its use in reporting incidents of injury or death caused by such bullets. While alternatives like "errant bullet" or "random bullet" exist, "stray bullet" remains the most widely recognized and understood term for this phenomenon. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context about the initial firing of the weapon and avoid implying that the bullet appeared without a source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

errant bullet

Replaces "stray" with "errant", implying a deviation from the intended path.

wild bullet

Substitutes "stray" with "wild", emphasizing the uncontrolled nature of the bullet.

random bullet

Replaces "stray" with "random", highlighting the unpredictable nature of the bullet's trajectory.

accidental discharge

Focuses on the unintentional firing of the weapon, leading to a stray bullet.

unintended projectile

A more formal way of describing a bullet that has gone off course.

bullet out of control

Describes the situation where a bullet goes where it was not intended.

wayward shot

Uses "wayward" to describe the shot's deviation from the intended path.

unaimed bullet

Focuses on the lack of a specific target for the bullet.

misdirected bullet

Highlights the incorrect direction of the bullet's flight.

bullet gone astray

Uses the verb "gone astray" to indicate the bullet's deviation.

FAQs

How is the phrase "stray bullet" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "stray bullet" is generally used to describe a bullet that unintentionally hits someone or something that was not the intended target. For example: "The victim was struck by a "stray bullet" during the shootout".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "stray bullet"?

You can use alternatives like "errant bullet", "wild bullet", or "random bullet" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a stray bullet killed him" or "he was killed by a stray bullet"?

Both "a stray bullet killed him" and "he was killed by a stray bullet" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the bullet or the victim.

What distinguishes a "stray bullet" from a regular bullet?

A "stray bullet" is differentiated from a regular bullet by its unintended trajectory and target. A regular bullet hits its intended target, while a "stray bullet" deviates and strikes an unintended person or object.