a chain of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of coordinated or sequential attacks, often in a military, cybersecurity, or metaphorical context. Example: "The investigation revealed a chain of attacks that targeted multiple systems over several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That unleashed a chain of attacks that has left 70 people dead, 200 wounded, and Karachi destabilized.

The New York Times

"If we are facing a situation where there is a chain of attacks, that would undercut every attempt to soften, liberalize, open up, and increase the demand for tougher measures".

The New York Times

The attack was the second in four months against a member of the 40-seat cabinet, and a government spokesman said it was the most recent in a chain of attacks directed at "the development process in Iraq".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A chain of terrorist attacks has struck scientists in Mexico since 2011.

The Guardian

A massacre on January 15th in the village of Haswiya, on the edge of Homs, is the latest in a chain of such attacks along this axis on villages of Sunnis, who make up the bulk of the country and its opposition.

The Economist

In fact, most juvenile birds are often forced to leave the colony after a chain of successive attacks from nest owners.

Plosone

He warned, as did many others, that bombing Iran could provoke "a chain reaction" of attacks on American facilities and citizens throughout the world: "What will 1.2 billion Muslims think the day we attack Iran?" With or without the nuclear option, the list of targets may inevitably expand.

The New Yorker

Rep Thomas Massie, also from Kentucky, said "the information in these 28 pages establishes a chain of liability" around the attacks.

The Guardian

That raid was the first in a chain of events that included the Brussels attacks and more arrests.

The Guardian

He says the White House is depending upon the Syrian opposition to help it establish what happened in the reported chemical attacks, including a "chain of custody".

The Guardian

The shift away from Windows is claimed to have begun in January, after Google realised that the operating system had been part of a chain of weaknesses that allowed a damaging attack against some of its core systems by Chinese hackers in December.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a chain of attacks", ensure the attacks are indeed linked or sequential, not merely a collection of unrelated incidents. This phrase emphasizes the interconnectedness of events.

Common error

Avoid using "a chain of attacks" when referring to isolated incidents. The term implies a deliberate sequence, so ensure that the attacks are related and form a clear pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain of attacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence of related hostile actions. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe events in politics, terrorism, and even in the natural world.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chain of attacks" is a phrase used to describe a series of connected or sequential assaults. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase accurately conveys the idea of linked attacks, it is important to ensure that the incidents are genuinely related to avoid misuse. Related phrases include "a series of assaults" and "a sequence of attacks". Using this phrase effectively requires understanding its nuance of interconnectedness to properly depict the nature of the attacks being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of assaults

Replaces "attacks" with "assaults", implying a more direct and forceful offensive.

a sequence of attacks

Focuses on the order and succession of the attacks.

a string of attacks

Emphasizes the connected nature of the attacks, like beads on a string.

a wave of attacks

Suggests a large number of attacks occurring in a short period.

a barrage of attacks

Implies a continuous and overwhelming stream of attacks.

a cluster of attacks

Highlights that attacks are happening in specific area or are connected.

a campaign of attacks

Suggests a planned and coordinated series of attacks with a specific goal.

a cycle of attacks

Implies a repeating pattern of attacks.

an epidemic of attacks

Highlights a rapid increase and wide spread of the attacks.

a cascade of attacks

Emphasizes the escalating and rapidly unfolding nature of the attacks.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a chain of attacks" in a sentence?

Use "a chain of attacks" to describe a series of related offensive actions. For instance, "The city experienced "a chain of attacks" targeting key infrastructure."

What are some alternatives to "a chain of attacks"?

Alternatives include "a series of attacks", "a sequence of attacks", or "a string of attacks". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a chain of attacks" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "a chain of attacks" can sound dramatic, it is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a linked series of assaults. Consider the context and audience to determine if a more neutral term like "a series of incidents" might be preferable.

How does "a chain of attacks" differ from "isolated attacks"?

"A chain of attacks" implies a deliberate connection or sequence among the attacks, while "isolated attacks" suggests that each attack is unrelated and independent.