injured

Question

I was shot in 1996 in my neighborhood. It was like any other morning and I was on my way to the grocery store. I heard a loud gunshot and the next thing I knew my legs were weak. I fell down and blacked out. I was injured and have since paralyzed from the waist down.

Is injured correctly used? I was told wounded should be used when it comes to weapons.
Thanks in advance.

Optilang · Accepted Answer

I was injured and have since been paralysed from the waist down.

I would accept injured - don't know about others.

Clive · Answer

Hi,
I was shot in 1996 in my neighborhood. It was like any other morning and I was on my way to the grocery store. I heard a loud gunshot and the next thing I knew my legs were weak. I fell down and blacked out. I was injured and have since paralyzed from the waist down.

Is injured correctly used? I was told wounded should be used when it comes to weapons.
Very generally speaking, 'wounded' refers to the immediate effect of the weapon (damaged skin and tissue, bleeding, etc.) while 'injured' refers more to the longer term effects of the weapon on you.
Thus, you might say 'I was wounded by a bullet in 1996. I have permanent injuries / my injuries were not permanent.

I was shot in 1996 in my neighborhood. It was like any other morning and I was on my way to the grocery store. I heard a loud gunshot and the next thing I knew my legs were weak. I fell down and blacked out. I was permanently/badly injured and have since been paralyzed from the waist down.

Just to say 'I was shot. I was injured.' seems odd, because everyone who is shot is injured.

Best wishes, Clive

New2grammar · Answer

Thank you, Optilang.

New2grammar · Answer

Thanks, Clive.

injured

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions