a spree of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spree of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of aggressive actions or incidents occurring in a short period of time. Example: "The city experienced a spree of attacks that left residents feeling unsafe and anxious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He also apologized for a spree of attacks on foreign embassies in Syria by pro-Assad loyalists outraged over the Arab League move.

The New York Times

It also rejects a UN-mandated international tribunal investigating the murder of Rafik Hariri and a spree of attacks targeting his political allies that killed 60 others.

The Economist

The police believe that the suspect, Elias Abuelazam, was most likely responsible for a spree of attacks in Michigan, Ohio and Virginia that began in May and continued through Saturday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Six teenagers carried out a "spree" of arson attacks in north London over five days, including a fire that closed the M1 motorway, a court heard.

BBC

The deal collapsed in April when the Taliban advanced into neighboring districts, setting off a military offensive that prompted a spree of retaliatory attacks by militants.

The New York Times

That hacker collective "disbanded" in late June following a spree of hack attacks on high profile targets.

BBC

Horan described Malvo as a "smart, clever killer" who laughed and bragged about the people he had killed in a spree of sniper attacks on strangers that terrorized the Washington, D.C., region in October 2002.

Los Angeles Times

Together they went on an audacious spree of attacks, ranging from the internet security firm HB Gary, the website of X-Factor on Fox Television, Nintendo's computer system and the website of the US senate.

The Guardian - Tech

He also helped broker a truce between black and Latino gang members, whose spree of attacks and counterattacks in a nine-month period last year left 17 dead and 55 wounded, many of them bystanders.

Los Angeles Times

Those reports are expected to infuse a multimillion-dollar spree of attack ads as the GOP battles to keep a decades-old grip on the governor's mansion.

The Washington Post

Mr. Popadich, who embarked on a spree of violence that included two deliberate driving attacks on pedestrians on Midtown sidewalks, has now admitted to a crime in which he was not previously suspected: shooting a cabdriver in the East Village on Wednesday, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a spree of attacks", ensure the context clearly establishes that the attacks are related and occur within a limited timeframe to emphasize the 'spree' aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "a spree of attacks" to describe events that are not connected or occur over a long period. This dilutes the impact of the phrase and misrepresents the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spree of attacks" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing a series of aggressive actions. Examples show it referring to violence, arson, and even hack attacks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A spree of attacks" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a series of rapid and related hostile actions. Though not extremely common, it's readily understood and applied in contexts ranging from news reporting to academic analysis. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, ensure that the events are indeed connected and occur within a limited timeframe to justify the 'spree' aspect. Alternatives such as "a series of assaults" or "a wave of aggression" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of assaults

Emphasizes individual instances of violence, may imply less coordination.

a wave of aggression

Suggests a broad, sweeping pattern of hostile behavior.

an outbreak of violence

Highlights the sudden and uncontrolled nature of the violent acts.

a campaign of terror

Implies a deliberate and organized effort to instill fear.

a rash of incidents

Downplays the violence, focusing on the occurrence of multiple events.

a surge in hostilities

Indicates an increase in active conflicts or aggressive actions.

a chain of incidents

Highlights the sequence or connection between events.

a cluster of assaults

Emphasizes that the attacks happened at the same time or in the same region.

a reign of terror

Implies a period of widespread violence and oppression.

a flurry of offensives

Suggests rapid, concentrated military or strategic actions.

FAQs

What does "a spree of attacks" mean?

The phrase "a spree of attacks" refers to a series of violent incidents that occur in rapid succession and are often related in some way. It suggests a period of intense and concentrated aggression.

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

You might say, "The city experienced "a spree of attacks" over the weekend, leaving many residents concerned".

Are there alternatives to using "a spree of attacks"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a series of assaults", "a wave of aggression", or "an outbreak of violence" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a spree of attacks" and "isolated incidents"?

"A spree of attacks" implies a connection and close succession between the events, while "isolated incidents" suggests that the events are unrelated and distinct.