a brief raid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brief raid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short or quick attack or incursion, often in a military or strategic context. Example: "The soldiers conducted a brief raid on the enemy's supply line before retreating to safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was a brief raid to remove long-range arsenal from a site - the mission had an exchange of gunfire.

Independent

When Israel conducted a brief raid into the camp in late March, nearly 80 people needed care -- roughly 10 per ambulance -- and that raid lasted only hours.

The New York Times

Israel has called on residents of the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate their homes, suggesting a coming attack after its naval commandos earlier launched a brief raid in which soldiers exchanged direct fire with Hamas gunmen.

The Guardian

In 1982, Israeli forces led by Mr. Sharon, then the defense minister, pushed into Lebanon in what was presented as "Operation Peace for Galilee," a brief raid to clear away the northern border.

The New York Times

Israeli tanks continued to circle Jenin -- called the capital of Palestinian terrorism by an Israeli government spokesman -- and staged a brief raid into Qalqilya, another West Bank city from which they had withdrawn earlier under American pressure.

The New York Times

Barbee located a crossing and conducted a brief raid against the Indians on the other side before returning to Scott.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Her first operation during World War II was a commerce raiding operation into the southern Atlantic Ocean; she also made a brief foray into the Indian Ocean.

Wikipedia

Not for him a brief, mercenary raid on the bank balance of a European club owner or a short, easy hop into a television studio.

The Guardian - Sport

Israel has made many brief raids into Palestinian territory.

The New York Times

The air force has conducted brief raids to bomb Taliban positions in recent months but has yet to launch a major offensive.

The Guardian

Great though this achievement was, its relative importance in Caesar's career and in Roman history has been overestimated in Western tradition (as have his brief raids on Britain).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military actions or strategic maneuvers, use "a brief raid" to convey a sense of speed and limited scope. This implies a targeted operation with a clear, concise objective.

Common error

Avoid using "a brief raid" to describe events with significant long-term consequences. The phrase suggests a limited, short-term action, and using it inappropriately can diminish the perceived impact of more substantial events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brief raid" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of military or strategic action characterized by its short duration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Wiki

37.5%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brief raid" is a noun phrase used to describe a short, quick military or strategic action. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable and correct in written English. Primarily found in news and wiki sources, it carries a neutral tone suitable for both formal reporting and informal discussions. Related phrases include "a quick incursion" and "a short assault". When using this phrase, it's important to consider the limited scope it implies, avoiding its application to events with significant, long-term consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rapid incursion

Highlights the speed and suddenness of the entry or attack.

a quick incursion

Replaces 'brief' with 'quick', emphasizing the speed of the action.

a short assault

Substitutes 'raid' with 'assault', highlighting the aggressive nature of the action.

a swift attack

Emphasizes the speed and forcefulness using 'swift' and 'attack'.

a flash intervention

Uses 'flash' to convey brevity and 'intervention' to suggest a specific purpose.

a lightning strike

Emphasizes the speed and surprise element, similar to a sudden strike.

a limited operation

Focuses on the scope and duration being restricted.

a hit-and-run tactic

Describes the tactic of a quick attack followed by a rapid retreat.

a short sortie

Replaces 'raid' with 'sortie', indicating a brief operational flight or attack.

a flying column

Implies a quickly moving, relatively small military force.

FAQs

How can I use "a brief raid" in a sentence?

You can use "a brief raid" to describe a short, quick attack or incursion. For example, "The commandos conducted "a brief raid" on the enemy outpost."

What are some alternatives to "a brief raid"?

Alternatives include "a quick incursion", "a short assault", or "a swift attack". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a brief raid" formal or informal?

"A brief raid" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in news reporting, historical accounts, or military discussions.

What distinguishes "a brief raid" from a full-scale invasion?

"A brief raid" implies a limited objective and a short duration, whereas a full-scale invasion suggests a long-term occupation or significant territorial gain. The former is a targeted action, the latter a comprehensive operation.