a pretty aggressive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pretty aggressive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that exhibits a high level of assertiveness or hostility. Example: "The marketing strategy was a pretty aggressive approach to capturing market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a pretty aggressive person.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're a pretty aggressive team," Bingham said.

The New York Times

"He's a pretty aggressive entertainer," Mr. Harrington said.

The New York Times

"We have a pretty aggressive growth strategy as it is".

The New York Times

Last I looked, Democrats were doing a pretty aggressive job of it.

The Washington Post

"It was a pretty aggressive negotiation tactic by me," Young concedes.

The Guardian - Sport

That said, it would take a pretty aggressive search on the part of an employer.

The New York Times

"That's a pretty aggressive pitch down," he said, particularly just after takeoff.

The New York Times

"That's a pretty aggressive number," said Peter Newcomb, the senior editor who supervises the project.

The New York Times

That line of Zusi, Diskerud and Bedoya looks a pretty aggressive one behind Altidore.

The Guardian - Sport

"She's got a pretty aggressive disease, and our hope is that we are putting her in a pretty good place not to relapse," Delaney said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pretty aggressive", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of intensity is appropriate. It can be effective in describing proactive strategies or determined individuals, but avoid using it in situations where a more diplomatic or collaborative approach is preferred.

Common error

Be cautious when using "a pretty aggressive" in contexts involving personal interactions or negotiations where a more subtle or empathetic approach might be more effective. Overusing this phrase can create a perception of hostility or insensitivity.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. "A pretty aggressive" primarily functions to describe or characterize something, adding a layer of intensity or forcefulness. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly precedes nouns such as "plan", "strategy", or "team".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pretty aggressive" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something characterized by a strong, proactive, or forceful approach. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the term "aggressive" can have negative connotations, the use of "pretty" softens its intensity, making it suitable for a broad range of contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to consider the specific context and audience when using this phrase to ensure the level of intensity is appropriate. Alternatives such as "fairly assertive" or "quite forceful" can be used when a more nuanced tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fairly assertive

Substitutes "aggressive" with "assertive" and "pretty" with "fairly", softening the intensity slightly.

a quite forceful

Replaces "aggressive" with "forceful", indicating a strong and determined approach.

a rather pushy

Uses "pushy" instead of "aggressive", suggesting a more intrusive or insistent behavior.

a considerably proactive

Emphasizes the proactive aspect of aggression, focusing on taking initiative.

a notably ambitious

Highlights ambition as a driver of aggressive behavior, framing it in a more positive light.

a seriously competitive

Focuses on the competitive aspect, indicating a strong desire to win or succeed.

a strikingly bold

Emphasizes courage and daring, suggesting a willingness to take risks.

an intensely driven

Highlights strong motivation and determination, suggesting a relentless pursuit of goals.

a decidedly militant

Suggests a combative or confrontational approach, often used in political contexts.

an extremely invasive

Focuses on intrusion and encroachment, suggesting a violation of boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "a pretty aggressive" in a sentence?

You can use "a pretty aggressive" to describe strategies, behaviors, or plans that are characterized by a strong, proactive approach. For example: "The company adopted "a pretty aggressive marketing strategy" to gain market share."

What are some alternatives to saying "a pretty aggressive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "fairly assertive", "quite forceful", or "notably ambitious". Each option offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a pretty aggressive"?

Not necessarily. While "aggressive" can sometimes have negative connotations, in certain contexts, such as business or sports, it can be seen as a positive trait, indicating determination and a proactive approach. However, it's important to consider the specific situation and audience.

What is the difference between "a pretty aggressive" and "an extremely invasive"?

"A pretty aggressive" generally describes a strong and proactive approach, while "an extremely invasive" suggests an intrusion or violation of boundaries. The latter carries a stronger negative connotation.