a flurry of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flurry of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and intense series of aggressive actions or criticisms, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The politician faced a flurry of attacks from the media after the controversial statement he made during the interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

3.32pm BST Meanwhile a flurry of attacks launch from the front of the peloton.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the latest in a flurry of attacks that have killed or wounded scores in the last week alone.

The New York Times

A flurry of attacks on the anniversary of Saddam Hussein's seizure of power in 1979 killed one American soldier and wounded at least six others around Baghdad today.

The New York Times

Mr. House must also contend with a growing threat from hackers, who have staged a flurry of attacks on Web sites and services in recent months, including several run by Sony.

The New York Times - Tech

She attracted attention a few months ago with a flurry of attacks on Mrs. Clinton, whom she labeled a carpetbagger and a tax burden for traveling on government planes and running up overtime bills for local police departments helping to protect her.

The New York Times

Derby are the Championship's leading scorers and responded with a flurry of attacks.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In a flurry of attack ads, Mr. Raese has tried to make the race a referendum on what he calls President Obama's "socialist," antibusiness policies The national Republican Party has smelled blood and is spending millions on television ads here as part of its drive to retake the Senate.

The New York Times

Using Stoitchkov in the playmaking role, the Fire unleashed a flurry of dynamic attacks that kept the MetroStars' defenders on their heels.

The New York Times - Sports

This month has seen a flurry of such attacks, including Operation Iron Fist, a six-day offensive close to the Syrian border that left 50 alleged insurgents dead.

The Economist

Now, Angelakos can't enjoy a Google Alert update without having to sift through a flurry of personal attacks and death threats.

The Guardian - Music

But Djokovic's superior speed and counter-punching has turned the tables several times within points, most recently on set point, in which he outlasted a flurry of Federer attacks, eventually drawing an error, an error he celebrated with his fist raised above his head.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flurry of attacks" to describe situations where numerous aggressive actions occur in a short period. It's effective for conveying a sense of intensity and rapid succession.

Common error

Avoid using "a flurry of attacks" to describe isolated incidents or actions spread out over a long time. The phrase implies a concentrated burst of activity, not a gradual process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flurry of attacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in describing a series of aggressive actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flurry of attacks" is a noun phrase effectively used to describe a rapid succession of aggressive actions or criticisms. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, with a slight preference for news and media. While it's considered neutral in register, ensure its use accurately reflects the intensity and suddenness implied by the phrase. Alternatives such as "a barrage of attacks" or "a wave of attacks" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to avoid using it for events spread out over longer periods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrage of attacks

Emphasizes a continuous and overwhelming delivery of attacks.

a wave of attacks

Suggests a sweeping and widespread series of attacks.

a series of assaults

Focuses on the planned and forceful nature of the attacks.

a storm of attacks

Implies a turbulent and chaotic series of attacks.

an outbreak of attacks

Highlights the sudden and unexpected emergence of attacks.

a rash of attacks

Indicates a sudden and unwelcome increase in the number of attacks.

a hail of attacks

Suggests a rapid and intense downpour of attacks.

a burst of attacks

Emphasizes a sudden and short-lived series of attacks.

a sudden onslaught

Highlights the abrupt and fierce nature of the attacks.

a rapid succession of attacks

Focuses on the closely spaced timing of the attacks.

FAQs

How can I use "a flurry of attacks" in a sentence?

You can use "a flurry of attacks" to describe a sudden and intense series of aggressive actions, criticisms, or events. For example, "The company faced "a flurry of attacks" after the announcement of the new policy".

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

Alternatives include "a barrage of attacks", "a wave of attacks", or "a series of assaults", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a flurry of attacks" formal or informal?

The phrase "a flurry of attacks" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news and media. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and style of the writing.

What's the difference between "a flurry of attacks" and "a series of attacks"?

"A flurry of attacks" implies a rapid succession and intense burst of aggressive actions, whereas "a series of attacks" simply indicates multiple attacks, possibly spread out over time.