shot
shot — verb
1. the form of the verb 'shoot' that is used when describing actions that happened
the form of the verb 'shoot' that is used when describing actions that happened in the past. It works both as the simple past tense — for example, 'Asher shot the ball into the net' — and as the past participle — for example, 'The director has shot all the scenes already'.
Yasmin shot at the target three times during the competition.
past simple: shoot + at + [target]
Feng shot the entire wedding ceremony with his old camera.
past simple: shoot + [event] + with [camera]
Asher shot the ball past the goalkeeper in the final minute.
Ingrid has shot over a hundred short films in her career.
The scene was shot on location in the old town square.
文法句型
shoot → shot → shot
用法筆記
Irregular verb — never add -ed. The form 'shooted' is not accepted in standard English. The same spelling 'shot' is used for both the simple past tense and the past participle.
常見錯誤
shot — noun
1. In sports and games, using your foot, hand, or a piece of equipment to send a ba
In sports and games, using your foot, hand, or a piece of equipment to send a ball toward a goal, basket, or scoring area.
Quinn took a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went wide.
take + a + shot + from [position]
Her final shot hit the crossbar and bounced away from the goal.
The basketball player's last shot won the match at the buzzer.
Eitan practised his golf shot for hours at the driving range before the tournament.
The goalkeeper saved every shot that came her way during the second half.
文法句型
take + a + shot
have + a + shot
[person] + shot + verb
用法筆記
Countable noun. Often used with verbs like take, have, make, or save. The specific type of shot (e.g. golf shot, tennis shot, penalty shot) depends on the sport.
常見錯誤
2. When someone uses a gun or similar weapon to send out a bullet, or the noise tha
When someone uses a gun or similar weapon to send out a bullet, or the noise that this action produces.
The soldiers heard a single shot ring out across the valley.
a + [adjective] + shot — describes the firing event
Anjali fired two warning shots into the air to scare the wild dogs away.
The police officer's shot hit the target exactly where she had aimed.
Élise loaded the rifle carefully and prepared her first shot at the competition.
They heard the sound of gun shots coming from somewhere deep inside the forest.
文法句型
fire + a + shot
a + shot + rings out
用法筆記
Countable when referring to individual firing events (fired three shots). Uncountable when referring to the general concept (shot rang out). Distinguish from bullet, which is the projectile itself.
常見錯誤
3. A person who fires a gun, typically described in terms of how skilled they are a
A person who fires a gun, typically described in terms of how skilled they are at hitting targets.
Dewi is an excellent shot and rarely misses the target during practice.
be + a + good/excellent/poor + shot — describes shooting ability
The army only recruits soldiers who are good shots with a rifle.
Antonia was the best shot in her shooting club for three years in a row.
Ziad turned out to be a poor shot during training and needed extra practice.
文法句型
be + a + [adjective] + shot
用法筆記
Almost always used with an adjective (good shot, bad shot, excellent shot, poor shot) to evaluate the person's skill. Rarely used without a modifier — 'he is a shot' is unnatural.
常見錯誤
4. A casual attempt at doing something, often something new or challenging that you
A casual attempt at doing something, often something new or challenging that you are not sure you can succeed at.
Quinn decided to give the new job a shot and sent in an application.
give + [something] + a shot — informal idiom for 'try'
Haruto's first shot at fixing the old motorcycle engine did not work out.
I think you should take another shot at solving that difficult puzzle.
The team's best shot at winning the championship ended in a close defeat.
Rosa had never tried surfing before, but she said she would give it a shot.
文法句型
give + [something] + a + shot
have + a + shot + at + [something]
[possessive] + shot + at + [something]
用法筆記
Informal register — suitable for conversation and casual writing, but not formal documents. Common in fixed phrases: give it a shot, have a shot at, be worth a shot. Distinguish from noun/13 (a guess or estimate based on little information).
常見錯誤
5. A picture taken with a camera, especially an informal or unplanned one rather th
A picture taken with a camera, especially an informal or unplanned one rather than a formal portrait.
Obi took a lovely shot of the sunset over the mountains during their hike.
take + a + shot + of + [subject] — photograph
Rachel showed us holiday shots from her recent trip to the south of France.
The photographer captured a beautiful close-up shot of the rare bird.
Erik carefully framed the shot so that the old temple was right in the centre.
Anjali took several shots of the street market, each one full of colour and life.
- photo
similar register, slightly more common in everyday speech
- photograph
more formal, used in official or artistic contexts
- snapshot
emphasises speed and informality
文法句型
take + a + shot + of + [subject]
用法筆記
Countable noun. More informal than photograph and slightly more informal than photo. Common in phrases like take a shot, get a shot, or snap a shot (very informal).
常見錯誤
6. A single continuous piece of film or video recorded in one unbroken stretch with
A single continuous piece of film or video recorded in one unbroken stretch with a single camera, forming part of a larger scene or sequence in a movie, television programme, or video.
The opening shot of the film showed a woman walking alone through thick fog.
opening shot / closing shot — position in the film
Iker rehearsed the scene for hours before the director called for the first shot.
The camera operator followed the actor's movement in a long continuous shot.
The director wanted a close-up shot of the child's frightened face.
That action sequence was filmed in a single shot without any editing tricks.
文法句型
[adjective] + shot + of + [subject]
the + [adjective] + shot
用法筆記
Countable noun. Distinguish from scene, which is a series of shots set in one location with a single dramatic unit. A shot is the smallest building block of a film, filmed continuously by one camera.
常見錯誤
7. a single serving of a strong liquor, such as whiskey or tequila, that people usu
a single serving of a strong liquor, such as whiskey or tequila, that people usually swallow all at once.
Asher ordered a shot of whiskey at the bar.
collocation: a shot of + liquor name
The bartender poured Lan a single shot of tequila with lime.
After the wedding toast, everyone downed their shot in one go.
Élise felt the burn of the vodka shot as it went down.
The recipe calls for a shot of dark rum and some lime juice.
文法句型
a shot of + drink
用法筆記
In most English-speaking regions, a standard shot is roughly 1.5 fluid ounces (44 ml).
常見錯誤
8. a concentrated serving of a strong-tasting beverage that contains no alcohol, su
a concentrated serving of a strong-tasting beverage that contains no alcohol, such as espresso or a wellness tonic.
The café serves a small shot of espresso alongside the dessert.
collocation: a shot of espresso
Putri added a shot of ginger juice to the smoothie for flavour.
The bartender offered Yara a shot of wheatgrass at the juice bar.
Indra bought a shot of energy drink from the convenience store before the exam.
- dose
emphasises medicinal or health-related effect more than taste
文法句型
a shot of + drink
用法筆記
This sense is most common in café menus, juice bars, and health-product packaging. It always implies a concentrated or potent serving.
9. a dose of medicine or a vaccine that is pushed into the body through a needle; a
a dose of medicine or a vaccine that is pushed into the body through a needle; an injection.
The nurse gave Ife a flu shot before winter arrived.
collocation: flu shot / get a shot
Paloma needed a tetanus shot after stepping on a rusty nail.
The doctor recommended a daily shot of insulin for the patient.
Felipe felt a quick pinch when the vaccination shot went into his arm.
The clinic offers free COVID-19 booster shots for elderly residents.
文法句型
a shot of + drug/vaccine
get a shot
give someone a shot
用法筆記
Common collocations include the specific vaccine name followed by 'shot' (e.g., flu shot, tetanus shot, COVID shot). 'Booster shot' refers to a repeat dose that strengthens immunity.
常見錯誤
10. the metal sphere that competitors heave for maximum distance in the sport of sho
the metal sphere that competitors heave for maximum distance in the sport of shot-put.
Quinn lifted the shot over her shoulder before throwing it across the field.
action sequence: lift + throw the shot
The athlete polished the metal shot between each round of the competition.
Yasmin threw the shot farther than anyone in the state finals that year.
Each shot weighs about seven kilograms in men's shot-put events.
- metal ball
descriptive term rather than a standard sporting label
文法句型
the + shot
throw the shot
用法筆記
This sense is specific to the sport of shot-put and is always used with 'the' when referring to the specific ball. In competition, women use a 4 kg shot and men use a 7.26 kg shot.
11. tiny round metallic pellets packed inside a shotgun cartridge that scatter in a
tiny round metallic pellets packed inside a shotgun cartridge that scatter in a wide pattern when fired.
The hunter loaded the shotgun with birdshot for duck hunting.
compound: birdshot (type of shot)
The police found small metal shot scattered across the floor of the warehouse.
Mert cleaned the shotgun and filled it with fresh shot for the next hunt.
The farmer keeps a shotgun loaded with heavy shot to protect the livestock.
文法句型
load + with shot
shot + verb (scatter/spread)
用法筆記
This noun is uncountable when referring to the substance as a mass (e.g., 'the cartridge is filled with shot'). Individual pellets are called 'shot pellets' or 'BBs' in casual speech.
12. a solid object, such as a bullet, cannonball, or artillery shell, that is fired
a solid object, such as a bullet, cannonball, or artillery shell, that is fired from a weapon.
A single shot from the cannon tore through the wall of the fortress.
collocation: a shot from the cannon
Henry heard the whizz of a shot passing close to his helmet.
Historians found an old cannon shot buried beneath the castle courtyard.
The forensic team recovered the shot that was lodged in the wooden door.
- bullet
the standard word for a modern firearm projectile
- cannonball
large solid projectile fired from a cannon
- shell
an explosive projectile fired from artillery
文法句型
a + shot + from + weapon
用法筆記
This sense is more commonly used for historical artillery (cannonballs) and in formal or technical descriptions. For modern firearms, 'bullet' is the usual word.
13. A guess or rough estimate that someone makes without having all the necessary fa
A guess or rough estimate that someone makes without having all the necessary facts, often because they have to decide or act quickly.
Tariro did not know the capital of Finland, so she made a wild shot.
make a wild shot — a guess with no real information
The mechanic took a shot at the problem before looking at the engine manual.
take a shot at [something] — attempt to guess or solve
Bao's estimate for the repair cost was just a shot in the dark.
When the teacher asked for the answer, Paul took a shot at it.
The team had no real data, so every number they gave was a rough shot.
- guess
neutral, everyday alternative; less dramatic than 'shot'
- estimate
more deliberate and slightly more formal; implies some basis
- speculation
implies thinking based on incomplete evidence; more formal
用法筆記
Common in the fixed expressions 'a shot in the dark', 'a wild shot', and 'a rough shot'. Not used in formal or academic writing.
常見錯誤
14. A harsh, critical, or aggressive comment aimed at a specific person, often said
A harsh, critical, or aggressive comment aimed at a specific person, often said during an argument or as a way of attacking someone.
Emre's parting shot at the meeting was that nobody listened to him anyway.
parting shot — a final critical remark made when leaving
Sana could not help making a cheap shot about her brother's haircut.
cheap shot — an unfair or unkind critical remark
The senator's comment was a shot at the other party's new spending plan.
Iris took a shot at her colleague for arriving late to every training session.
- compliment
a positive, praising remark
- praise
expression of approval or admiration
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the fixed expressions 'parting shot' (a final critical remark when leaving) and 'cheap shot' (an unfair or petty criticism). Common with 'take a shot at [someone]'.
常見錯誤
15. A measured amount of explosive material used for blowing up rock, earth, or othe
A measured amount of explosive material used for blowing up rock, earth, or other solid materials, especially in mining, quarrying, or construction.
The mining crew set the shot and moved to a safe distance before detonation.
set the shot — prepare an explosive charge for detonation
Gabriel calculated how much explosive each shot would need to break the granite.
each shot — a single charge of explosives used in one blast
Workers loaded the shot into the drilled hole and connected the fuse.
A misfired shot in the quarry delayed the entire construction project by days.
用法筆記
Technical term in mining and construction. Objects are typically 'set', 'loaded', or 'fired'. 'Misfired shot' refers to a charge that fails to detonate. Not used in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
shot — adjective
1. refers to woven cloth where threads of another colour are added, making the visi
refers to woven cloth where threads of another colour are added, making the visible colour shift or shimmer as you change the viewing angle.
The shot silk curtains shimmered with green and gold in the sunlight.
shot + silk — pre-nominal adjective before fabric type
Dahlia chose shot taffeta in a deep magenta for her evening gown.
Darius admired how the shot velvet changed colour as the bride walked down the aisle.
The fabric was shot with silver threads that caught every light in the room.
Min's favourite blouse is made of a shot silk that shifts from blue to purple.
- iridescent
more general — describes any surface that shifts colour, not just fabric
- shimmering
focuses on the optical effect rather than the weave technique
- changeable
an older, less common term for shot fabric; now rare
文法句型
shot + [fabric type] (silk, taffeta, velvet)
be shot with [colour/thread]
用法筆記
Typically used before a fabric name (shot silk, shot taffeta) or in the passive pattern 'be shot with [thread/colour]'. Not used for non-fabric materials.
常見錯誤
2. no longer in a working or usable condition because of age, heavy use, or damage;
no longer in a working or usable condition because of age, heavy use, or damage; also used to describe a person who is extremely tired.
After twelve years of daily use, the old washing machine was completely shot.
collocation: completely shot — intensifier before predicative adjective
Allison felt absolutely shot after working two night shifts in a row.
informal — can describe a person's extreme exhaustion
The brakes on Ravindra's car were shot and needed to be replaced immediately.
By the time they reached the hostel, Heloísa's hiking boots were completely shot.
Bilal's laptop battery is shot — it only lasts about forty minutes now.
文法句型
be shot (completely/absolutely/totally shot)
feel shot (of a person)
用法筆記
Only used predicatively (after 'be', 'feel', or 'get'). Never place before a noun — you cannot say 'a shot engine'. Frequently intensified by adverbs like 'completely', 'absolutely', 'totally'.
常見錯誤
3. to be rid of someone or something, or to have finished dealing with a person or
to be rid of someone or something, or to have finished dealing with a person or situation — used only in the fixed expressions 'get shot of' or 'be shot of'.
The company was glad to be shot of the failing division after the sale.
fixed expression: be shot of — having got rid of
Erik finally got shot of his old sofa when the charity shop collected it.
fixed expression: get shot of — take action to remove
Justin was relieved to be shot of his noisy neighbours after the move.
Camille wants to get shot of all her old clothes before the trip to Japan.
The team was happy to be shot of the project after all the delays.
- stuck with
informal opposite — unable to escape a person or thing
文法句型
get shot of [someone/something]
be shot of [someone/something]
glad/relieved/happy + to be shot of
用法筆記
Only appears in the fixed phrases 'get shot of' or 'be shot of' (never 'shot of' alone as a verb). Common in British English but rare in North American English. The 'shot' here does not relate to guns or firing — it is an unrelated colloquial use.