Mount an offensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Mount an offensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in military or strategic contexts to describe the act of launching an attack or initiative against an opponent. Example: "The general decided to mount an offensive to reclaim the territory lost in the previous battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

An Iraqi plan to mount an offensive was developed but shelved after negotiations between representatives from the Sadr movement and Shiite politicians led to a cease-fire accord.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Baryalai said that the insurgent forces are prepared to mount an offensive.

The New York Times

A pause of three weeks occurred before the 8th Army could mount an offensive against the Germans' new position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, even if willing ones can be lined up, regional forces do not have the capacity to mount an offensive operation without logistical and intelligence support.

The Economist

Fearing the Persians would mount an offensive following such a naval defeat, the Athenians transferred the league treasury to Athens (454).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three allies of Congo's embattled President, Laurent Kabila, agreed today to mount an offensive against Congolese rebel strongholds in the eastern region of the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The road is a key to mounting an offensive on Uli airstrip.

The New York Times

Between 622 and 629 the Byzantine emperor Heraclius mounted an offensive and restored Syria-Lebanon to his empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A tall, joke-cracking Welshman with an Oxford education, Stringer has mounted an offensive based in part on charm.

The New Yorker

The rebels ended their cease-fire last Tuesday and the government mounted an offensive the next day.

The New York Times

Republicans, pulled out of their existential lethargy and re-energized by the president's charm offensive, immediately mounted an offensive against him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mount an offensive", ensure the context clearly indicates a planned and coordinated effort, especially in military or strategic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "mount an offensive" for trivial or unplanned actions; reserve it for situations involving significant planning and resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mount an offensive" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to describe the initiation of a planned attack or strategic action, often in military or strategic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mount an offensive" is a verb phrase used to describe the initiation of a planned attack or strategic action. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English, predominantly in military or strategic contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news media and encyclopedic sources. Related phrases include "launch an assault" and "take the offensive". When using this phrase, ensure the context suggests a deliberate, planned effort rather than a spontaneous action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Launch an assault

Focuses more directly on the attack itself, rather than the planning or preparation.

Take the offensive

Emphasizes shifting from a defensive to an attacking position.

Initiate military action

More formal and general, referring to any kind of military operation.

Commence an attack

Similar to "launch an assault" but emphasizes the start of the action.

Go on the attack

More direct and less formal than "mount an offensive".

Undertake a campaign

Focuses on a series of planned actions over time to achieve a specific goal.

Begin hostilities

A more formal and broad way to say to start a conflict.

Start a military operation

A general term for beginning any type of planned military activity.

Prepare for an offensive

Focuses on the preparation stage rather than the action itself.

Develop a military strategy

Emphasizes the planning and strategizing aspect rather than the execution.

FAQs

How to use "Mount an offensive" in a sentence?

You can use "mount an offensive" to describe the initiation of a strategic military action, such as "The army planned to "mount an offensive" against the enemy forces".

What can I say instead of "Mount an offensive"?

Alternatives include "launch an assault", "initiate military action", or "take the offensive", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Mount an offensive" or "Launch an offensive"?

Both ""mount an offensive"" and "launch an offensive" are correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey, though they are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "Mount an offensive" and "Prepare an offensive"?

"Mount an offensive" implies the action of starting an attack, while "prepare an offensive" refers to the planning and readiness phase before the attack begins.