sustained gunfire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained gunfire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or prolonged period of gunfire, often in a military or conflict context. Example: "The soldiers took cover as they were met with sustained gunfire from the enemy position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It was an unprecedented wave of coordinated suicide bombing, sustained gunfire and explosions, much of it directed against the police.

The New York Times

In Mosul, trouble erupted for a second straight day, both times after the Americans said marines came under sustained gunfire.

The New York Times

Some witnesses reported sustained gunfire after the explosion, indicating that at least one gunman might have escaped.

The New York Times

Witnesses in Verviers said they heard a series of explosions at 5.45pm and then sustained gunfire near the railway station.

The Guardian

Around seven explosions and sustained gunfire were heard by neighbours and officers throughout the morning, during which two terror suspects were killed and around seven arrests made.

Independent

The street violence, which involved sustained gunfire between Israeli and Palestinian troops last Monday, provoked opposition forces on both sides to press their leaders to suspend the talks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In a twinned panic Wednesday night, many Israelis fled sustained Palestinian gunfire on Gilo, a Jewish neighborhood in southeastern Jerusalem, while Palestinians cowered in closets as rocket and tank fire sprayed towns and refugee camps in the West Bank.

The New York Times

Although Beatty's battle cruisers were superior in numbers, they proved unable to sustain the gunfire of the German ships, with the result that the "Indefatigable" and "Queen Mary" were sunk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I heard gunfire, sustained shooting.

The Guardian

A "sustained" exchange of gunfire followed, and Mr. Alexis was killed.

The New York Times

At least three loud explosions and sustained bursts of gunfire were heard in the capital, but their origin was unclear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing conflict or violent situations, use "sustained gunfire" to convey a sense of prolonged and intense shooting activity. This adds a layer of severity to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained gunfire" to describe brief or sporadic shooting incidents. The term implies a continuous and prolonged period of fire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained gunfire" acts as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence to describe an event involving prolonged shooting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained gunfire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to depict prolonged and intense shooting incidents. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it effectively conveys severity and persistence. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a continuous shooting period and not just sporadic bursts. Alternatives such as "continuous gunfire" or "heavy gunfire" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous gunfire

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the shooting.

prolonged shooting

Emphasizes the extended duration of the gunfire.

heavy gunfire

Highlights the intensity and volume of the shooting.

intense shooting

Similar to "heavy gunfire", focusing on the high level of activity.

repeated gunfire

Stresses the recurring nature of the shooting.

unrelenting gunfire

Implies a persistent and forceful continuation of shooting.

constant shooting

Indicates a continuous and unbroken period of gunfire.

nonstop gunfire

Similar to "constant shooting", emphasizing lack of interruption.

steady stream of gunfire

Illustrates a consistent and ongoing flow of shots.

barrage of gunfire

Emphasizes the overwhelming quantity of shots fired.

FAQs

How can I use "sustained gunfire" in a sentence?

You can use "sustained gunfire" to describe prolonged shooting in conflict or intense situations. For example: "The soldiers took cover during the sustained gunfire."

What can I say instead of "sustained gunfire"?

You can use alternatives like "continuous gunfire", "prolonged shooting", or "heavy gunfire" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sustained gunfire" or "sporadic gunfire"?

"Sustained gunfire" describes continuous shooting, while "sporadic gunfire" refers to irregular or intermittent shooting. The correct phrase depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "sustained gunfire" and "crossfire"?

"Sustained gunfire" describes the duration and intensity of shooting, while "crossfire" describes a situation where gunfire comes from multiple directions. They describe different aspects of a shooting event.