stream of bullets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stream of bullets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or rapid succession of bullets, often in the context of gunfire or metaphorically to refer to a series of points or arguments presented in a quick manner. Example: "The soldier described the terrifying experience of being caught in a stream of bullets during the firefight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Automatic weapons, which fire a stream of bullets by holding the trigger down, were already restricted.

The Guardian

He let off a stream of bullets into the air and brought it down.

The Washington Post

They say that he then walked away, turned back and fired a stream of bullets into her body.

The Guardian

For thirty-five minutes Brunette withstood a stream of bullets poured through the door and his windows by one hundred police and twenty-five G-men under the personal direction of their chief.

The New York Times

Now imagine that same lost soul with an automatic weapon, an unsuspecting group of innocent people (whether moviegoers, mall shoppers or even the unthinkable — first graders), and a continuous stream of bullets spraying into the crowd.

The New York Times

Lara Croft And The Temple Of Osiris is a spin-off, a low-budget twin-stick shooter, where one joystick moves Lara around the screen and the other aims a stream of bullets at waves of ancient Egyptian enemies.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Whatever the final tally, the constant stream of bullet-riddled, disfigured protesters meant it was impossible to store the corpses properly.

Independent

Now and then his thumb must find the button on the joystick and jam it down savagely, making the machine shudder "like a frightened horse" as it pours forth its "eight streams of bullets".

The Guardian - Books

Or did we just shoot them while they were driving toward us?" Lobello had only the vaguest idea how many Iraqis they had killed and wounded; he could remember only the frenzy of it, the terrifying thrill, the streams of bullets going in.

The New Yorker

He gave lessons in the mechanism of the weapon and in directing its infernal stream of bullets.

University of Chicago

An endless stream of anti-single-bullet theories seems to be a price we pay to have human knowledge at our fingertips.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing intense combat or action scenes, use "stream of bullets" to convey the unrelenting and continuous nature of gunfire.

Common error

While "stream of bullets" is vivid, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "barrage of bullets" or "hail of bullets" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stream of bullets" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a continuous flow or rapid succession of projectiles, typically within the context of gunfire. As Ludwig AI states, this term is appropriate and grammatically sound for describing such scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stream of bullets" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to describe a continuous or rapid succession of bullets. As Ludwig AI notes, it's effective for portraying intensity and danger, particularly in news and media contexts. While "stream of bullets" is generally considered a neutral expression, other options such as "barrage of bullets" or "hail of bullets" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overuse and consider varying your descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage of bullets

Focuses on the intensity and volume of bullets fired.

hail of bullets

Emphasizes the density and overwhelming nature of the gunfire.

volley of bullets

Implies a simultaneous firing of multiple bullets.

burst of gunfire

Highlights the sudden and rapid nature of the shooting.

spray of bullets

Suggests a wide and scattered distribution of bullets.

torrent of bullets

Emphasizes the unrelenting and forceful nature of the gunfire.

fusillade of shots

A more formal term for a rapid and continuous discharge of firearms.

rapid fire

Focuses on the speed at which the bullets are being discharged.

constant gunfire

Highlights the sustained and ongoing nature of the shooting.

continuous fire

Emphasizes the uninterrupted flow of bullets.

FAQs

How can I use "stream of bullets" in a sentence?

You can use "stream of bullets" to describe a continuous or rapid succession of bullets fired from a weapon. For example: "The soldier ran for cover as a "stream of bullets" whizzed past his head."

What's a good alternative to "stream of bullets"?

Alternatives include "barrage of bullets", "hail of bullets", or "volley of bullets" depending on the specific context and the image you want to create.

Is "stream of bullets" a literal or figurative expression?

While it can be used literally to describe actual gunfire, "stream of bullets" can also be used figuratively to describe a rapid succession of anything, such as arguments or criticisms, although this is less common.

How does "stream of bullets" differ from "spray of bullets"?

"Stream of bullets" suggests a more focused and continuous line of fire, whereas "spray of bullets" implies a wider, less targeted distribution.