abject attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abject attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe severe or contemptible forms of criticism or aggression directed towards someone or something. Example: "The politician faced abject attacks from the media following the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As for the impact of his actions on historians in general, it could be argued that, even without Ferguson's contribution, his profession had already been lavishly embarrassed by David Starkey on Jamie's Dream School, and by the extraordinary activities of Orlando Figes, who was last year unveiled as the author of abject attacks on his rivals, stealthily posted on Amazon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"In memory of Nohemi Gonzalez, an innocent victim of the abject Paris attacks, and to present to her family, her friends, her professors, all my condolences, in my name, and in the name of the French people".

Vice

The French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, called it "an abject terrorist attack" and expressed his "infinite sadness" at the killings.

The Guardian

The French Council of the Muslim Faith has "vigorously condemned" these "abject and heinous" attacks.

Vice

After Thursday's signing, French interior minister Cazeneuve took the opportunity to reiterate France's position on terrorism and Islam, declaring that, "abject and barbarian terrorist attacks have nothing to do with the Muslim religion".

Vice

Nicolas Sarkozy, the centre-right former president, called the shootings an "abject act" and an "attack on our democracy".

The Economist

Take the local politician (played by Dabney Coleman) who wins the voters back by attacking with abject honesty.

The New York Times - Arts

Nicolas Sarkozy, the centre-right opposition leader and former president, called the incident an "abject act" and an "attack on our democracy".

The Economist

After the abject failure of England's attacking play at the World Cup, it was refreshing to see the men in white actually move the ball with purpose and score some tries in the Six Nations.

The New York Times - Sports

Critics at home accused Mr Blair of choosing only winnable battles that were easy for voters to understand but making no effort to fight the loss of scores of national vetoes (one tabloid accused him of "abject surrender").The Eurosceptic tideTo attack Mr Blair is to miss the target, however.

The Economist

With the shield of Silva removed, they were simply taken apart by Germany, wilting under pressure and abject in coping with their attacking variety.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abject attacks", ensure the context clearly conveys the severity and contemptibility of the aggression or criticism being described. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the morally reprehensible nature of the attacks.

Common error

Avoid using "abject attacks" to describe minor disagreements or criticisms. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving severe, morally reprehensible aggression or contemptible behavior. Using it in milder contexts can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject attacks" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "abject" modifies the noun "attacks". It typically describes actions that are extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading. Ludwig's examples show the phrase applied to terrorist acts, political criticisms, and failures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject attacks" is a phrase used to describe severe and morally reprehensible actions. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts to express strong disapproval. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong negative connotation and moral condemnation it conveys. Consider alternatives like "despicable assaults" or "contemptible offensives" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despicable assaults

Replaces "abject" with "despicable" and "attacks" with "assaults", maintaining a similar level of intensity and negativity.

contemptible offensives

Substitutes "abject" with "contemptible" and "attacks" with "offensives", focusing on the morally reprehensible nature of the aggression.

degrading onslaughts

Changes "abject" to "degrading" and "attacks" to "onslaughts", highlighting the humiliating and overwhelming nature of the aggression.

ignominious aggressions

Replaces "abject" with "ignominious" and "attacks" with "aggressions", emphasizing the shameful and disgraceful quality of the hostile actions.

vile assaults

Substitutes "abject" with "vile", which strongly emphasizes the disgusting and morally corrupt nature of the attacks.

utterly wretched attacks

Replaces "abject" with "utterly wretched", amplifying the feeling of misery and worthlessness associated with the attacks.

thoroughly base assaults

Changes "abject" to "thoroughly base", which underscores the ignoble and immoral character of the attacks.

deeply abhorrent attacks

Substitutes "abject" with "deeply abhorrent", focusing on the repugnant and detestable nature of the attacks.

complete and utter attacks

Modifies "abject" to "complete and utter", intensifying the sense of something total and absolute, usually negative, in the attacks.

disgusting aggressions

Replaces "abject" with "disgusting" highlighting that attacks are revolting and offensive.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "abject attacks" in a sentence?

Use "abject attacks" when you want to emphasize the severe and contemptible nature of the aggression. For instance, "The politician faced "abject attacks" from the media following the scandal" is fitting if the attacks were particularly harsh and morally questionable.

What are some alternatives to "abject attacks"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "despicable assaults", "contemptible offensives", or "degrading onslaughts". These alternatives can help you vary your language while maintaining a similar level of intensity.

Is "abject attacks" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While "abject attacks" is a strong phrase, it can be appropriate in formal writing if the situation warrants it. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. If you're unsure, opt for a more neutral alternative like "severe criticism" or "harsh assaults".

What distinguishes "abject attacks" from other similar phrases?

"Abject attacks" specifically highlights the morally reprehensible and contemptible nature of the attacks. While other phrases might convey severity, "abject" adds an extra layer of moral condemnation, emphasizing the wretched and base character of the actions. It emphasizes that the attacks are not just severe, but also deeply offensive and morally wrong.