The party that fires at UN troops is drawing fire to itself.

Question

Hi allDoes this sound natural? I am not sure whether I've used this phrase correctly?The party that fires at UN troops will be drawing fire to itself. ThanksPBF

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

PBF: It's fine. I would use "would only" to show the folly of their future actions, if that is the intended meaning.

"would only be drawing fire to itself".

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Does this sound natural? I am not sure whether I've used this phrase correctly?

The party that fires at UN troops will be drawing fire to itself.

For this sentence, I'd say

Any party that fires at/on UN troops will be drawing fire on itself.

Your use of the phrase is OK.

However, I associate 'draw fire' a bit more with a situation in which there is already firing going on.

eg The bad guys are shooting at Tom and Fred. Tom stands up to draw their fire and thus to give Fred a chance to crawl to safety.

Another way to word your sentence would be

Any party that fires on UN troops will be inviting return fire.

Best wishes, Clive

Peaceblinkfriend · Answer

Thanks for replying AlpeccaStars and Clive.

AlpheccaStars, just wondering, which defintion does this usage of 'would' fall into? Is it the second one? Thank you again.

(M-W)

1 a archaic : WISHED, DESIRED b archaic : wish for : WANT c (1) : strongly desire : WISH I would I were young again* — often used without a subject and with that in a past or conditional construction *would that I had heeded your advice* (2) — used in auxiliary function with rather or sooner to express preference *he would sooner die than face them
2 a — used in auxiliary function to express wish, desire, or intent those who would forbid gambling* b — used in auxiliary function to express willingness or preference *as ye would that men should do to you — Luke 6:31 (Authorized Version)* c — used in auxiliary function to express plan or intention *said we would come
3 — used in auxiliary function to express custom or habitual action we would meet often for lunch
4 — used in auxiliary function to express consent or choice would put it off if he could
5 a — used in auxiliary function in the conclusion of a conditional sentence to express a contingency or possibility if he were coming, he would be here now* b — used in auxiliary function in a noun clause (as one completing a statement of desire, request, or advice) *we wish that he would go
6 — used in auxiliary function to express probability or presumption in past or present time would have won if I had not tripped
7 : COULD the barrel would hold 20 gallons
8 — used in auxiliary function to express a request with which voluntary compliance is expected would you please help us
9 — used in auxiliary function to express doubt or uncertainty the explanationTwould seem satisfactory
10 : SHOULD knew I would enjoy the trip *would be glad to know the answer

The party that fires at UN troops is drawing fire to itself.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions