a string of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of attack" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts discussing a series of aggressive actions or criticisms, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "The politician faced a string of attack from the media after the controversial statement."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So novel that Cruz and Rubio have started using the tactic, and have released a string of attack ads highlighting things like Trump's past support for abortion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The campaign is the latest in a string of attack ads in what has become a neck-and-neck race that pits the highest-ranking Senate Democrat against a candidate backed by Tea Party advocates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Main questions simply a string of attacks on Jeremy Corbyn.

The Guardian

Over the next year, Mr. Kee committed a string of attacks.

The New York Times

The Workers' party has responded with a string of attacks.

The Guardian

This was part of a string of attacks this week by hackers who call themselves Anonymous Brasil.

The New York Times

The bombing was the latest in a string of attacks in Pakistan in the last week.

The New York Times

The shooting follows a string of attacks on aid workers and journalists in recent days.

The New York Times

The blast was the latest in a string of attacks against security forces and civilians.

The New York Times

These were responsible for a string of attacks – including those of 7 July 2005 in London.

The Guardian

They are part of a string of attacks on the country's nuclear researchers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of attack", ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a series of attacks, whether physical, verbal, or otherwise. While not incorrect, consider that more common alternatives like "a series of attacks" might be clearer to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of attack" if you intend to convey a single, complex attack. The phrase implies multiple, separate incidents. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the number and nature of the attacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of attack" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptor indicating a sequence or series of aggressive actions. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase may be less common and potentially unclear in meaning, suggesting that alternatives might be more suitable for clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of attack" refers to a series or sequence of attacks. While grammatically acceptable, it is not the most common way to express this idea, as noted by Ludwig AI. The phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "a series of attacks" or "a barrage of attacks" may offer greater clarity and impact. When using "a string of attack", ensure the context clearly indicates a succession of incidents and consider whether a more common alternative would be better understood by your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of attacks

Replaces "string" with "series", offering a more common and direct phrasing.

a barrage of attacks

Uses "barrage" to emphasize the intensity and volume of the attacks.

a wave of attacks

Implies a sequential and overwhelming nature of the attacks.

a spate of attacks

Suggests a sudden and relatively short-lived series of attacks.

a chain of attacks

Highlights the interconnected or sequential nature of the attacks.

a flurry of attacks

Emphasizes the rapid and simultaneous nature of the attacks.

a stream of attacks

Conveys a continuous and ongoing sequence of attacks.

a succession of attacks

Highlights the sequential order of the attacks.

a cluster of attacks

Suggests the attacks occurred in close proximity or within a short timeframe.

a campaign of attacks

Implies a planned and coordinated series of attacks with a specific objective.

FAQs

What does "a string of attack" mean?

The phrase "a string of attack" refers to a series or sequence of attacks. These attacks can be physical, verbal, or in any other form, as long as they occur one after another.

Is "a string of attack" grammatically correct?

While not the most common phrasing, "a string of attack" is grammatically acceptable. However, using alternatives like /s/a+series+of+attacks might be clearer and more widely understood.

What are some alternatives to "a string of attack"?

You can use alternatives like /s/a+series+of+attacks, /s/a+barrage+of+attacks, or /s/a+wave+of+attacks depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "a string of attack" instead of "an attack"?

"A string of attack" should be used when referring to multiple, separate attacks occurring in succession. If you're describing a single incident, "an attack" is the appropriate choice.