"fire at" vs "fire a gun"

Question

"fire at" vs "fire a gun"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Fire a gun' is used when talking about shooting a gun or pulling the trigger to discharge a firearm. 'Fire at' is used when indicating the target or direction of the shooting.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used to specify the target or direction of the shooting. It is often followed by the object or location being fired upon.

Examples:

He fired at the target.
She fired at the enemy soldiers.
The police officer fired at the suspect.
The soldier fired at the advancing enemy.
The hunter fired at the deer in the clearing.

Alternatives:

shoot at
aim at
take a shot at
open fire on
direct fire towards

This phrase is used when talking about the action of shooting a gun or pulling the trigger to discharge a firearm. It focuses on the act of firing the weapon.

Examples:

He fired a gun at the target.
She fired a gun into the air.
The police officer fired a gun to stop the criminal.
The soldier fired a gun during the battle.
The hunter fired a gun to bring down the deer.

Alternatives:

shoot a gun
pull the trigger of a gun
discharge a firearm
use a firearm
fire a weapon

Answer 1

fire at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when indicating the target or direction of the shooting.

Answer 2

fire a gun

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to shooting a gun or pulling the trigger to discharge a firearm.

"fire at" vs "fire a gun"

fire at

fire a gun

Related Comparisons