a succession of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a succession of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe a series of events or actions that occur one after the other. For example, "The military endured a succession of attacks from the enemy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In 2013, South Korean banks and broadcasters were crippled by a succession of attacks.

The New Yorker

8.01pm BST 15 min: Dortmund now pushing, with a succession of attacks down their left flank.

The Guardian - Sport

Establishing that the Cole bombing was ordered, or at least inspired, by Mr. bin Laden would strengthen the F.B.I.'s theory that Mr. bin Laden is directly responsible for a succession of attacks on American targets.

The New York Times

But playing in just its second ever semifinal and first in 15 years, Burkina Faso dragged itself back into the game with Aristide Bance's equalizer in the 60th and then unleashed a succession of attacks against the fading Ghanaians in extra time.

Independent

In a succession of attacks, fighters from Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgent group that has gripped northern Nigeria and battled the government for years, have swept through a cluster of villages along the shores of Lake Chad in a "systematic campaign of arson directed against the civilian population in the area," according to Human Rights Watch.

The New York Times

Although he has a comfortable lead of 49 seconds over Millar and 1 08 over Vande Velde, Leipheimer and his Astana team are very likely to face a succession of attacks from several teams over the final two days of racing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

France has also suffered a succession of terrorist attacks including the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan assaults.

The Guardian - Opinion

Newcastle started strongly but the Arsenal defence weathered the storm, fighting off a succession of early attacks.

The Guardian - Sport

A few hours later, the convoy of elders was hit by a succession of American attacks, which killed most of the occupants.

The New York Times

Until then, the police had said that nine people were involved in a succession of brutal attacks that began early on Oct. 3 in an abandoned apartment at 1910 Osborne Place in the Morris Heights section.

The New York Times

A succession of disturbing attacks on women have raised fresh questions about Donald Trump's credibility as a presidential candidate and are an ugly reminder of his long-standing deeply questionable attitudes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a succession of attacks", ensure the context clearly indicates that the attacks are related, either by source, target, or timeframe. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a succession of attacks" in overly passive constructions. For example, instead of "There was a succession of attacks launched", try "The enemy launched a succession of attacks" to create a more direct and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

A succession of attacks functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a sequence of aggressive actions, emphasizing their repetitive or continuous nature, and draws its meaning from specific examples of attacks and aggression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

10%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a succession of attacks" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a series of aggressive actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it conveys information about multiple, related incidents. While alternatives like "a series of attacks" or "a barrage of attacks" exist, each carries its own subtle nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by indicating the relationship between the attacks. Be mindful of passive voice constructions to maintain a direct and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of attacks

This alternative is a more general term for multiple attacks, without necessarily implying intensity or continuousness.

a string of attacks

This suggests the attacks are linked or connected in some way, forming a chain of events.

a barrage of attacks

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and rapid occurrence of the attacks.

a wave of attacks

This implies a large number of attacks occurring over a specific period or area, creating a sense of widespread impact.

a spate of attacks

This suggests a sudden and unusually large number of attacks happening within a short timeframe.

a pattern of attacks

Focuses on the identifiable, repetitive nature or strategic element of the attacks.

multiple assaults

Uses a different term ("assaults") for attacks, giving a more direct and forceful impression.

repeated offensives

This term emphasizes the proactive and aggressive nature of the attacks.

continuous onslaught

This option communicates an image of relentless and overwhelming attacks.

a relentless stream of aggression

This phrase focuses on the ongoing, uninterrupted nature of the aggressive actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a succession of attacks" to describe a series of related aggressive actions. For instance, "The city endured "a succession of attacks" from rebel forces over the weekend."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a series of attacks", "a barrage of attacks", or "a wave of attacks".

Is it more appropriate to say "a succession of attacks" or "a series of attacks"?

Both "a succession of attacks" and "a series of attacks" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Succession" emphasizes the sequential nature of the events, while "series" is a more general term for multiple events.

What distinguishes "a succession of attacks" from "an isolated attack"?

"A succession of attacks" implies multiple, related incidents, whereas "an isolated attack" refers to a single, unconnected event. The former suggests a pattern or campaign, while the latter is a singular occurrence.