What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shoot
Example
He shot the target with his rifle. [shoot: verb]
Example
I love shooting photos of nature. [shooting: gerund or present participle]
Example
She shot the basketball into the hoop. [shot: past tense]
fire
Example
The soldiers fired their weapons at the enemy. [fire: verb]
Example
The house was on fire and the firefighters rushed to put it out. [fire: noun]
Example
The company had to fire several employees due to budget cuts. [fire: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fire is more commonly used than shoot in everyday language, due to its wider range of meanings. Shoot is more specific and less common, but still important in certain contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shoot and fire?
Both shoot and fire can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fire may be more commonly used in professional settings due to its association with employment and job termination.
