Launch an offensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Launch an offensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in military contexts or metaphorically in discussions about competitive strategies, such as in business or sports. Example: "The general decided to launch an offensive to reclaim the territory lost to the enemy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even board game players need to know how to launch an offensive at some stage.

The Guardian - Sport

That claim led the military to launch an offensive against the rebel stronghold.

The New York Times

The Lions were too busy counting their casualties to launch an offensive.

The Guardian - Sport

The Americans have been pushing General Kayani to launch an offensive against the Haqqanis' base in North Waziristan.

The New York Times

The Northern Alliance's interior minister, Yunos Qanoni, said the alliance would also launch an offensive toward Kabul, the capital, soon.

The New York Times

When negotiators don't want to give you what you're asking for, they often launch an offensive move.

Harvard Business Review

tienssen and a fellow expert he had called to his assistance, a certain Dr. to launch an offensive; I assume that it will fail miserably in your presence.

Princeton University

Al-Nusra provided over 3,000 fighters for the operation which has put the rebels in a position to launch an offensive against Latakia on the coastal strip.

Independent

He predicted that the FARC would launch an offensive outside the safe haven to take pressure off rebels withdrawing from the zone.

The New York Times

A bit later, when asked if India might launch an offensive on other parts of the border with Pakistan, he threw the question back at the journalist.

The New York Times

He said Israel had been looking for a pretext to launch an offensive; the abduction of two of its soldiers two weeks ago gave it the perfect excuse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "launch an offensive", ensure the context is clear about the target and purpose of the offensive. This phrase implies a deliberate and strategic action, so clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "launch an offensive" for minor or unplanned actions. This phrase suggests a significant and purposeful campaign, not a spontaneous reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch an offensive" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the initiation of a strategic action, often with the intent to gain an advantage or overcome opposition. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch an offensive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies the start of a strategic action. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its application across various contexts, including military, business, and politics. The phrase is considered suitable for both neutral and formal registers, but ensure the context aligns with a deliberate and purposeful campaign. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Common alternatives include "initiate an attack", "begin a campaign" and "mount an assault", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate an attack

Focuses specifically on the commencement of a military or combative action.

begin a campaign

Emphasizes a planned series of actions for a specific goal, applicable in various contexts.

mount an assault

Suggests a strong, forceful, and often sudden attack.

start a drive

Implies an energetic effort to achieve a particular aim.

undertake a blitz

Describes a rapid and intense series of actions, often in a short period.

commence hostilities

Formally indicates the start of a conflict or war.

unleash an onslaught

Conveys a sense of overwhelming force and intensity in the initial attack.

kick off an operation

Used to describe the start of a specific, planned activity, often military.

set in motion a strategy

Highlights the implementation of a pre-defined plan to achieve a goal.

trigger an intervention

Implies initiating action to change or influence an existing situation.

FAQs

How can I use "launch an offensive" in a sentence?

You can use "launch an offensive" to describe the beginning of a military attack, a business campaign, or any other strategic action. For example, "The company decided to "launch an offensive" against its competitors with a new marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "launch an offensive"?

Some alternatives include "initiate an attack", "begin a campaign", or "mount an assault", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "launch an offensive" in formal writing?

Yes, "launch an offensive" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic actions in military, business, or political contexts. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What's the difference between "launch an offensive" and "start a campaign"?

"Launch an offensive" often implies a more aggressive or combative approach, while "start a campaign" is broader and can refer to any organized effort to achieve a goal. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.