a major onslaught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major onslaught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or intense attack, assault, or overwhelming force, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The company faced a major onslaught of negative reviews after the product launch, prompting them to address customer concerns immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

East Africa was the first area to suffer a major onslaught of HIV and then AIDS.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We are obviously seeing a major onslaught by the terrorists," Barham Salih, Iraq's deputy prime minister, said.

The New York Times

After a successful offensive against the Finns on the Karelian Isthmus had culminated in the capture of Viipuri (Vyborg) on June 20 , 1944 the Red Army on June 23 began a major onslaught on the Germans' front in Belorussia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eighteen months ago the political leaders of the world agreed at the Millennium summit here in New York that we should devote the first 15 years of this new century to a major onslaught on poverty, illiteracy and disease.

The Guardian

While militants from Isis, which calls itself Islamic State, have so far concentrated their attacks against the Western-backed fighters seeking to topple Assad, they have in the past month carried out a major onslaught against Syrian army facilities in north-eastern Syria, capturing and slaughtering hundreds of Syrian soldiers and pro-government militiamen in the process.

Independent

That is why 10,000 Palestinian prisoners of war in Israeli detention camps, including several hundred women and children, are deemed to be of no value whatsoever, whereas a single Israeli prisoner of war deserves a major onslaught on the most defenceless and densely populated strip of land on the face of the earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At that moment, Mr. Browder's crusade turned into a major diplomatic onslaught, adding another issue to an already tense U.S.-Russia relationship.

The New York Times

On May 9, meanwhile, the Allies had launched yet another premature offensive, combining a major French onslaught between Lens and Arras with two thrusts by Haig's 1st Army, from Festubert and from Fromelles, against the Aubers Ridge north of Lens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When they launched their major onslaught across northern Iraq last year, the IS vowed to continue on to Baghdad.

Vice

The August 1919 February 1920 pandemic wave in Concepción was synchronous with the major onslaught of the pandemic in other Chilean locales and was associated with the most deaths of the 3 pandemic waves.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Yet it is true that urban public life has suffered major onslaughts in the last 20 years, from the increasing privatization encouraged by reliance on Internet services to the expansion of the mall-effect -- whereby only the largest consumer outlets survive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major onslaught" to describe situations where there is an overwhelming and often destructive attack, either literally or figuratively. It's suitable for conveying a sense of intensity and scale.

Common error

Avoid using "a major onslaught" in trivial situations. Its strong connotations are best reserved for truly significant or intense events; otherwise, it can sound exaggerated or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major onslaught" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant and forceful attack or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major onslaught" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a significant and forceful attack or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and encyclopedic sources. When using "a major onslaught", consider its strong connotations and reserve it for situations where the intensity and scale warrant such a description. Alternatives such as "a significant offensive" or "an intense barrage" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant offensive

Replaces "onslaught" with "offensive", focusing on the planned and strategic nature of the attack.

a large-scale assault

Emphasizes the size and intensity of the attack.

a massive offensive

Similar to "significant offensive" but with a stronger emphasis on scale.

an intense barrage

Focuses on the continuous and overwhelming nature of the attack.

a furious attack

Highlights the aggressive and forceful nature of the attack.

a sweeping offensive

Implies a wide-ranging and comprehensive attack.

a powerful surge

Suggests a sudden and strong increase in force or activity.

a concentrated effort

Highlights the focused and dedicated nature of the effort.

a determined push

Emphasizes the resolve and persistence behind the action.

a vigorous campaign

Implies a sustained and energetic effort over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "a major onslaught" in a sentence?

You can use "a major onslaught" to describe a significant attack or overwhelming force. For example, "The company faced "a major onslaught" of negative reviews after the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "a major onslaught"?

Alternatives include "a significant offensive", "a large-scale assault", or "an intense barrage" depending on the specific context.

Is "a major onslaught" formal or informal?

"A major onslaught" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider the impact and intensity it conveys. Use it when the situation warrants a strong and impactful description.

What's the difference between "a major onslaught" and "a minor setback"?

"A major onslaught" describes a large and overwhelming attack or event, while "a minor setback" refers to a small and temporary obstacle. The former is significant and impactful, whereas the latter is relatively insignificant and easily overcome.