aggressive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aggressive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is often defined as hostile, assertive, or domineering. For example, "The aggressive marketing campaign paid off, and the company's sales increased significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I take full responsibility for not being more aggressive on this front.

The Guardian - Tech

We have to be a lot more aggressive and confident about what we do.

The Guardian

"We've spoken and he wants to be a little bit more aggressive on his returns and he wants to start coming to the net a little bit more," Bjorkman told the Observer.

The Guardian - Sport

Sinn Fein still used aggressive rhetoric for the benefit if its own supporters, while cooing with the British, Irish and US governments about the joys of non-violence.

The Guardian

It is the aggressive attempt to export liberal permissiveness that causes fundamentalism to fight back vehemently and assert itself.

The Guardian

These are aggressive displays of the primal male, stripped of all material signs of civility.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not done in an aggressive way or anything".

The Guardian

He wrote: One of the major criticisms we faced was that in our effort to provide more proactive policing, we had encouraged more aggressive police behavior, particularly in minority communities.

The Guardian

"Spitting is universally recognised as perhaps the ultimate degradation and it's bound to result in rather aggressive retaliation," mused the consultant psychologist Dr Aric Sigman years later, in some nostalgia-based clip show or other.

The Guardian - Sport

As RTE ringmaster Bill O'Herlihy tut-tutted in a fatherly and faux po-faced fashion, pundit Eamon Dunphy got to work with his new toy, an electronic pen with which he could enhance and illustrate his analysis by drawing white lines, circles, arrows and squiggles on a monitor after pausing the VT with an often aggressive roar of "Stop it there!" at some unseen flunkie in the production suite.

The Guardian - Sport

Some say that the aggressive rhetoric has led to more than 70 attacks on HDP campaigners all over Turkey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strategy or plan, use "aggressive" to convey a proactive and ambitious approach aimed at achieving significant results quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "aggressive" to describe someone's personality too frequently, as it can come across as judgmental and create a negative impression. Opt for milder terms like "assertive" or "proactive" to maintain a more balanced and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "aggressive" primarily functions as a modifier, describing a noun's characteristic of being forceful, assertive, or tending towards conflict. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, ranging from describing policies to marketing campaigns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "aggressive" is a versatile term used to describe something forceful, assertive, or proactive. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically sound and highly prevalent in various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "aggressive", it's crucial to consider its connotations, as it can sometimes imply negativity or hostility. Alternatives like "assertive", "forceful", and "proactive" can offer a milder or more precise tone depending on the intended message. Remember to use "aggressive" judiciously to ensure clarity and avoid unintended negative impressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assertive

Indicates a confident and forceful behavior, often without the negative connotations of hostility.

forceful

Emphasizes strength and determination in pursuing a goal.

combative

Suggests a readiness to fight or argue, highlighting the confrontational aspect.

belligerent

Implies a hostile and aggressive attitude, often provoking conflict.

pushy

Describes someone who is excessively forward and insistent.

intrusive

Highlights the act of interfering unwantedly.

vigorous

Signifies energy and intensity, focusing on the active and dynamic nature.

proactive

Implies taking initiative and being forward-thinking, often in a positive way.

overbearing

Suggests dominance and a tendency to impose one's will on others.

domineering

Highlights the desire to control and exert authority over others.

FAQs

How can I use "aggressive" in a sentence?

You can use "aggressive" to describe actions, strategies, or behaviors that are forceful and proactive. For example, "The company launched an "aggressive marketing campaign"" or "He took an "aggressive approach" to negotiations".

What can I say instead of "aggressive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assertive", "forceful", or "proactive". Each alternative carries a slightly different connotation.

When is it appropriate to use the word "aggressive"?

It is appropriate when describing actions or strategies intended to achieve a goal quickly and decisively. However, use caution when describing people's behavior, as it can imply negativity or hostility.

What is the difference between "aggressive" and "assertive"?

"Aggressive" often implies hostility or a willingness to dominate, while "assertive" suggests confidence and a clear communication of needs without necessarily being hostile.