a bad attack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad attack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or unpleasant episode of a particular condition or experience, often related to health or emotions. Example: "After experiencing a bad attack of anxiety, she decided to seek professional help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He was upside down, his back leaning against a rock, and having a bad attack of second thoughts.

The Times

Parting company with half the cabinet and the weight of scientific opinion, Cameron had a bad attack of funk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, he quickly began reassuring the British public that "we are suffering just now from a bad attack of economic pessimism".

The New York Times

IN 1930, when the world was "suffering…from a bad attack of economic pessimism", John Maynard Keynes wrote a broadly optimistic essay, "Economic Possibilities for our Grandchildren".

The Economist

This week Liverpool had a bad attack of Genghis Khan syndrome in proposing to rename Penny Lane because it recalls a slave trader, James Penny.

The Guardian - Opinion

A bad attack of either may seriously interfere with progress which has been made over years of constructive breeding and successful feeding and management.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Arnold Season's wife, Catherine, writes to him while he is in the Army overseas (after the war) that she is having such bad attacks of nervousness that he ought to come home.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, May 17 , 1947P. 68 Arnold Season's wife, Catherine, writes to him while he is in the Army overseas (after the war) that she is having such bad attacks of nervousness that he ought to come home.

The New Yorker

By Hollis Alpert The New Yorker, May 17 , 1947P. 68 Arnold Season's wife, Catherine, writes to him while he is in the Army overseas (after the war) that she is having such bad attacks of nervousness that he ought to come home.

The New Yorker

(a) Bad mouthing attack and (b) ballot stuffing.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

My mother had had a heart attack, a bad one, out of the blue.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bad attack of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly specifies the condition or experience being described. For instance, "a bad attack of anxiety" is more precise than "a bad attack of feeling unwell".

Common error

Avoid using "a bad attack of" with vague or general nouns. Instead of saying "a bad attack of something", specify the exact nature of the condition, such as "a bad attack of vertigo" or "a bad attack of nausea".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad attack of" functions as a qualifier, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a severe instance or episode of a particular condition or experience. As Ludwig AI suggests, this usage is grammatically sound and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bad attack of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing a severe instance of a condition or experience. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from varied contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic writing. The phrase is most frequently used in news and media, with science and academia also representing prominent contexts. To ensure clarity, pair it with specific nouns. While acceptable in both formal and informal registers, it is better suited for everyday language. Consider alternatives like "a severe bout of" or "a serious episode of" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe bout of

Emphasizes the intensity and limited duration of the experience.

a serious episode of

Highlights the gravity or importance of the occurrence.

a terrible case of

Implies a particularly unpleasant or unfortunate instance.

a major flare-up of

Specifically refers to a sudden worsening of a chronic condition.

an acute onset of

Focuses on the sudden and intense beginning of a condition.

a crippling instance of

Highlights the disabling or severely limiting nature of the experience.

a devastating wave of

Implies a widespread and overwhelming impact.

a painful experience with

Emphasizes the discomfort and suffering associated with the event.

a difficult struggle against

Highlights the effort and resistance involved in dealing with the condition.

an extreme manifestation of

Focuses on the condition's most intense and noticeable form.

FAQs

How can I use "a bad attack of" in a sentence?

You can use "a bad attack of" to describe a sudden and severe onset of a condition. For example, "He suffered "a bad attack of the flu"" or "She had "a bad attack of vertigo"".

What phrases are similar to "a bad attack of"?

Similar phrases include "a severe bout of", "a serious episode of", or "a terrible case of", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "a bad attack with" instead of "a bad attack of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "A bad attack with" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "a bad attack of" followed by the condition or ailment.

What's the difference between "a bad attack of anxiety" and "an anxiety attack"?

"A bad attack of anxiety" describes the experience in terms of severity, while "an anxiety attack" is a more clinical or general term for the event itself. Both are acceptable, but "a bad attack of anxiety" emphasizes the intensity.