a vigorous attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vigorous attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or forceful assault, whether in a physical, verbal, or metaphorical context. Example: "The politician faced a vigorous attack from his opponents during the debate, challenging his policies and character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He also made a vigorous attack on slavery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A vigorous attack intended to cripple the Internet's 13 crucial "root" servers failed.

The New York Times

If Mr. McCain veered into Borscht Belt territory, Mr. Bolton returned the crowd to the wonky weeds, offering a vigorous attack on President Obama's foreign policy.

The New York Times

Large numbers of Kikuyu left the church, and Kenya's leading anticolonial political organization mounted a vigorous attack on the church's policies.

The New York Times - Magazine

AS Byatt has launched a vigorous attack on writers who combine biography and fiction, calling it an "appropriation of others' lives and privacy".

The Guardian - Books

Veering away from cultural matters, he used his speech to belittle Mrs. Clinton's foreign policy record and promise a vigorous attack on Islamic terrorism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

A1 The South African government, bowing to regional and international clamor for a more vigorous attack against the AIDS epidemic, changed its stand on providing drugs to combat the virus, saying it would develop a plan to offer them to infected people through its public health system by Oct. 1.

The New York Times

The government has made a successful, vigorous attack on pervasive corruption and crime, including the trafficking in women for Europe's burgeoning prostitution market.

Forbes

In September 1216 John began a fresh, vigorous attack.

Wikipedia

Libertarianism not only promotes a robust defense of liberty, it advances an equally vigorous attack on the efficacy of government.

Huffington Post

The mammalian immune system has the memory of an elephant: If it encounters an invader it has fought off before, it responds with a much more vigorous attack.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure that the context supports the intensity and forcefulness that "vigorous" implies.

Common error

Avoid using "a vigorous attack" to describe minor disagreements or challenges; reserve it for situations where the intensity and forcefulness are genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vigorous attack" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb, describing an action characterized by energy and force. As supported by Ludwig AI, it correctly uses an adjective to modify the noun "attack".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vigorous attack" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a forceful and energetic assault, whether physical or verbal. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. The phrase suggests intensity and determination, making it appropriate for describing significant challenges or confrontations. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for situations that genuinely warrant such strong language, avoiding overstatement in milder contexts. Understanding related phrases and common errors can further refine its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a forceful assault

Emphasizes the strength and intensity of the attack.

a strong offensive

Highlights the proactive and aggressive nature of the action.

a determined offensive

Focuses on the resoluteness behind the attack.

an aggressive campaign

Implies a coordinated and sustained effort in the attack.

a spirited assault

Suggests energy and enthusiasm in the attack.

a vehement assault

Highlights the intensity of feeling behind the attack.

a blistering critique

Focuses on a harsh verbal attack.

a scathing denunciation

Emphasizes the condemning nature of the attack.

a relentless barrage

Suggests a continuous and intense attack.

an all-out offensive

Indicates a comprehensive and unrestrained attack.

FAQs

How can I use "a vigorous attack" in a sentence?

You can use "a vigorous attack" to describe a forceful and energetic assault, whether physical or verbal. For example: "The lawyer launched "a vigorous attack" on the witness's credibility".

What are some alternatives to "a vigorous attack"?

Some alternatives include "a forceful assault", "a strong offensive", or "an aggressive campaign", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a vigorous defense" instead of "a vigorous attack"?

Yes, "a vigorous defense" is also a correct and commonly used phrase. It describes a strong and energetic effort to protect or defend something, as opposed to assaulting it.

What's the difference between "a vigorous attack" and "a determined attack"?

"A vigorous attack" emphasizes the energy and forcefulness of the assault, while "a determined attack" highlights the resolve and persistence behind it. The former focuses on how it's carried out, the latter on why.