a blatant attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blatant attack" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a direct and obvious act of aggression or hostility. Example: The politician's speech was filled with lies and insults, it was a blatant attack on his opponent's character.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"This was a blatant attack on us by the authorities," Dr. Abdurazakova said.

The New York Times

"This is not just a senseless murder, it is a blatant attack on the right to freedom of expression.

The Guardian

It is not necessary to agree with every strand of policy adopted by Lutfur Rahman to see that this a blatant attack on local democracy.

The Guardian

To environmentalists, it was a disturbing example of politics interfering with law enforcement, as well as a blatant attack on the Clean Air Act.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was a freshman in college, and suddenly there was a blatant attack on people like my parents," said Mr. Lara, who grew up in East Los Angeles with other Mexican immigrants.

The New York Times

Gates, who is a practising Catholic, has been targeted by religious groups, which have described her mission as a "blatant attack on morality" and an elitist effort at population control.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A recent, blatant attack by the Chinese on sensitive Google networks--which followed other attacks on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pentagon--has led to escalating concern about our cyber security.

Huffington Post

"Its ad attacking the U.S. Chamber is a blatant attempt to avoid a serious discussion of Americans' top priority — creating jobs and growing the economy.

The New York Times

The attack was widely seen as a blatant attempt to intimidate the former president into abandoning his ambitions.

The Guardian

First is what is known in soccer as the "professional foul" — a blatant attempt to stop or alter the opponent's goal or attack.

The New Yorker

The US government didn't lift a finger to stop this blatant attack on journalism and press freedom – even as it has been moving heaven and earth to bring Edward Snowden back to the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a blatant attack", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the obvious and undeniable nature of the aggression. Provide specific details to support your claim and avoid using the phrase in situations where the attack is subtle or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a blatant attack" to describe minor disagreements or criticisms. Reserve this phrase for situations where the aggression is truly significant and undeniable. Overusing it can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blatant attack" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of aggression, emphasizing its obvious and undeniable nature. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous real-world examples where the phrase is used to denote direct and overt acts of hostility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a blatant attack" is a noun phrase used to describe an obvious and direct act of aggression. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to condemn or criticize unfair actions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context justifies the strong language. Alternatives such as "a clear assault" or "an overt offensive" may be considered depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear assault

Replaces "blatant" with "clear" and "attack" with "assault", focusing on the obvious nature of the aggression.

an obvious aggression

Substitutes both words to highlight the undisguised nature of the hostile action.

an undisguised assault

Highlights that the aggressive action was not concealed in any way.

a direct offensive

Focuses on the straightforward and unmediated nature of the aggression.

an overt offensive

Emphasizes the open and unconcealed nature of the attack, using more formal language.

a naked aggression

Uses "naked" to suggest the attack is completely exposed and without any justification.

a bald-faced assault

Emphasizes the brazen and shameless nature of the aggressive action.

a flagrant violation

Shifts the focus to the disregard for rules or norms, implying an attack on principles.

a conspicuous aggression

Highlights how easily noticeable and evident the hostile action is.

a transparent offensive

Suggests that the hostile act is easily seen through, with no hidden intentions.

FAQs

How can I use "a blatant attack" in a sentence?

You can use "a blatant attack" to describe an obvious and forceful act of aggression. For example, "The new policy was "a blatant attack" on civil liberties."

What's the difference between "a blatant attack" and "a clear assault"?

While both phrases describe aggressive actions, ""a blatant attack"" emphasizes the obviousness and shamelessness of the aggression, whereas "a clear assault" simply highlights its unambiguous nature.

What can I say instead of "a blatant attack"?

You can use alternatives like "an obvious aggression", "an overt offensive", or "a flagrant violation" depending on the context.

Is "a blatant attack" too strong for formal writing?

While "a blatant attack" is acceptable in formal writing, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more nuanced or less emotionally charged phrase like "a direct offensive" might be more appropriate.