thrown at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrown at" is a perfectly acceptable form of written English.
You can use it when referring to a direct physical or metaphorical action. For example: "The ball was thrown at him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accusations thrown at Vanderbilt.

The New York Times - Sports

Stones were thrown at them.

The Economist

Rocks thrown at SWAT vehicle.

Independent

Peanuts were also thrown at him.

The New York Times - Sports

You got stuff thrown at you.

The New Yorker

"I've had bottles thrown at me.

The New York Times

Knives were being thrown at me!

The New York Times

Everything is thrown at the stage.

The Guardian

A grenade was thrown at a mosque in Le Mans.

Independent

It was like having a javelin thrown at you.

The New Yorker

"I've had some bottles and stuff thrown at me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "thrown at" to describe metaphorical attacks or criticisms, ensure the context clearly indicates that the action is not physical. For instance, "Accusations were "thrown at" the politician" implies verbal attacks, not physical objects.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what is being "thrown at". A vague statement like "Things were "thrown at" the protest" could be confusing. Instead, specify what was thrown, such as "Rocks were "thrown at" the police line."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrown at" functions primarily as a passive construction of the verb 'throw', indicating that something is being directed towards a specific target. This target can be a person, object, or even an abstract concept. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thrown at" is a versatile and commonly used expression in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions as a passive construction describing the act of directing something towards a target. Its usage spans across various contexts, from physical actions to metaphorical attacks, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. While predominantly found in News & Media, "thrown at" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember to specify the target and nature of the action clearly to avoid ambiguity, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurled toward

Emphasizes the force and speed with which something is directed.

aimed at

Highlights the intention or direction towards a specific target.

directed towards

A more formal way of indicating that something is being sent or focused on a particular target.

launched in the direction of

Indicates the act of propelling something, often with force, towards a specific point or person.

pelted with

Describes a situation where someone is repeatedly hit with small objects.

subjected to

Implies enduring something, like criticism or abuse, rather than a physical object.

bombarded with

Suggests being overwhelmed with a large quantity of something.

presented to

Indicates a formal offering or introduction of something to someone.

levelled at

Often used in the context of accusations or criticisms.

cast upon

Suggests a more figurative or abstract direction, often used in literature.

FAQs

How can I use "thrown at" in a sentence?

You can use "thrown at" to describe a physical action, like "The ball was "thrown at" the batter", or a metaphorical one, such as "Criticisms were "thrown at" the new policy".

What's a less direct way to say "thrown at"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "aimed at" or "directed towards" for a less forceful tone.

Is it always negative when something is "thrown at" someone?

While often used in negative contexts like attacks or criticisms, "thrown at" can also describe something neutral or positive, like opportunities being "presented to" someone.

What's the difference between "thrown at" and "thrown to"?

"Thrown at" implies direction towards a target, possibly with intent to hit or affect it. "Thrown to", on the other hand, suggests giving something to someone, often implying a lack of care or precision, such as "He was thrown to the wolves".