a wave of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden increase or surge in aggressive actions or assaults, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The city experienced a wave of attacks on its infrastructure, leading to widespread panic among the residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The response of the FARC, the main guerrilla army, was a wave of attacks and ambushes.

The Economist

The bloodshed at the mosque triggered a wave of attacks on the army and police.

The Economist

was suspected of playing a role in a wave of attacks last month.

The New York Times - Tech

As Ramadan neared, Iraqi and American officials had been girding themselves for a wave of attacks.

The New York Times

Isis statements on Sunday claimed that Paris was the first blow in a wave of attacks.

The Guardian

The assailant seemily sought to attack an Arab male, in response to a wave of attacks by Palestinians.

Independent

It was the start of a wave of attacks on foreign civilians and the Iraqis who worked with them.

The New Yorker

As Fallujah burned, Sunni rebels elsewhere launched a wave of attacks across central Iraq, especially against police stations.

The Economist

A wave of attacks across Iraq on Monday killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens more.

The New York Times

The refugees had fled before a wave of attacks against Christians in Mosul in September and October.

The New York Times

In August, a wave of attacks swept through Xinjiang, the largest surge of violence in the region in years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wave of attacks", ensure the context clearly indicates the target and the motivation behind the attacks for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of attacks" multiple times in the same article or report. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "series of assaults" or "surge of hostilities" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of attacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a period marked by numerous hostile actions. Ludwig AI provides several examples showcasing this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of attacks" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a series of hostile actions, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the occurrence of numerous aggressive incidents. While alternatives like "series of assaults" or "outbreak of violence" exist, "a wave of attacks" remains a frequently employed and easily understood expression. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the target and motivation behind the attacks for optimal clarity. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various reporting scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of assaults

Emphasizes a sequential nature, highlighting that the attacks occur one after another.

a barrage of assaults

Suggests a concentrated and overwhelming burst of attacks.

an outbreak of violence

Focuses on the sudden and widespread eruption of violent acts.

a surge of hostilities

Highlights the increased intensity and frequency of hostile actions.

a campaign of aggression

Implies a planned and sustained series of aggressive actions.

a cluster of incidents

Downplays the aggressiveness and focuses on the number of incidents.

a storm of aggression

Uses a metaphor to describe a forceful, intense outburst.

a rash of incidents

Highlights the sudden and unwelcome appearance of a series of attacks.

escalation of conflict

Focuses on the increasing intensity of an ongoing conflict.

upsurge in violence

Focuses on the sudden increase in violent activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wave of attacks" to describe a series of coordinated or related attacks occurring within a specific timeframe or region. For example, "The city experienced "a wave of attacks" on its infrastructure."

What can I say instead of "a wave of attacks"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of assaults", "a barrage of assaults", or "an outbreak of violence" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "wave of attack" instead of "a wave of attacks"?

While "wave of attack" might be understood, ""a wave of attacks"" is the more common and grammatically sound phrase when referring to multiple attacks.

What is the difference between "a wave of attacks" and "a surge of attacks"?

Both phrases imply an increase in attacks, but ""a wave of attacks"" suggests a sequential pattern or ongoing series, while "a surge of attacks" emphasizes a sudden and powerful increase in intensity.