volley of bullets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "volley of bullets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rapid succession of gunfire or a metaphorical barrage of criticism or questions. Example: "The soldiers took cover as a volley of bullets rained down around them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There was a volley of bullets, and a rocket-propelled grenade exploded in the street.

The New Yorker

"God is great!" rings out whenever a volley of bullets is fired into the air.

The New York Times

Four were hit by the volley of bullets, and two died.

The New York Times

"Don't die a normal death, die from the volley of bullets," the posters exhorted.

Independent

But no foul volley of bullets from Syria's Bashar al-Assad can stop the convulsive movement of the gyres.

The New York Times

A gunman who drew alongside fired a volley of bullets, striking him four times, American officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Wilson, by his account, fired four separate volleys of bullets, but found that the first three of them did nothing to abash Brown; in his telling, they seemed almost to excite him.

The New Yorker

Friends of the dead and injured laid flowers and lighted candles on Wednesday at the Place St.-Lambert St.-Lambert where Mr. Amrani unleashed volleys of bulletheand threw grenadesquare sent glass and shrapnel flying into crowhere

The New York Times

Volleys of bullets from the rebels' Kalashnikovs whizzed mostly towards army positions, but some flew down the boulevard and prompted those who had crept too close to throw themselves against walls and to the floor.

The Guardian

The gunmen, all wearing the distinctive yellow and green shirts of the Seleção, unleash the volleys of bullets during a community tournament, prompting many in the crowd to hold their hands to their ears because of the noise.

The Guardian

Volleys of bullets fired by the security forces of the nation's strongman, Laurent Gbagbo, continued to sound around the clinic where the dead were taken Tuesday afternoon, as relatives and others pressed for cover inside the tiny building in the Treichville district.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event involving multiple shots fired quickly, use "volley of bullets" to emphasize the concentrated and simultaneous nature of the gunfire. This is especially effective in journalistic or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "volley of bullets" in contexts where a single shot or a slow, deliberate firing is intended. The term implies a rapid, simultaneous discharge from multiple sources or a single source firing very quickly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "volley of bullets" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, typically describing an event or situation involving gunfire. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "volley of bullets" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a rapid and intense burst of gunfire. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalent use in news and media contexts, emphasizing its role in factual reporting. Alternatives like "barrage of bullets" or "fusillade of bullets" can be used to add nuance. When using the phrase, ensure that the context involves multiple shots fired in quick succession to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresentation. The prevalence and authoritative sources confirm its validity and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage of bullets

Emphasizes the sustained and overwhelming nature of the gunfire, similar to "volley of bullets".

fusillade of bullets

Implies a rapid and continuous series of shots, akin to a "volley of bullets" but with a focus on speed.

hail of bullets

Conveys the intensity and abundance of bullets, similar to a heavy downpour.

burst of gunfire

Highlights the sudden and rapid emission of shots, a more general term for "volley of bullets".

spray of bullets

Indicates a wide dispersion of bullets, differing slightly from the concentrated nature of a volley.

stream of bullets

Suggests a continuous flow of bullets, emphasizing the sustained aspect of the firing.

rapid fire

Focuses on the speed of the shooting, a key characteristic of a volley.

succession of shots

Highlights the sequential nature of the firing, similar to a volley but less intense.

torrent of bullets

Emphasizes the sheer volume and force of the bullets, implying an overwhelming attack.

outpouring of bullets

Conveys a sense of abundance and rapid discharge of bullets, like a sudden flood.

FAQs

What does "volley of bullets" mean?

A "volley of bullets" refers to a number of bullets discharged simultaneously or in rapid succession, typically from multiple firearms or a rapid-firing weapon. It suggests an intense and often sudden burst of gunfire.

What are some synonyms for "volley of bullets"?

Alternatives include "barrage of bullets", "fusillade of bullets", or "hail of bullets". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "volley of bullets" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe a chaotic or violent scene. For example, "The protesters scattered as a "volley of bullets" rang out". It emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the gunfire.

Is it appropriate to use "volley of bullets" in formal writing?

Yes, "volley of bullets" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, historical accounts, or analytical pieces where you need to accurately and vividly describe an incident involving gunfire. However, be mindful of the context and tone to avoid sensationalism.