an assault on the senses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an assault on the senses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an overwhelming or intense experience that affects the senses, often in a positive or negative way. Example: "The vibrant colors and loud music at the festival created an assault on the senses that left everyone exhilarated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was an assault on the senses.

The Guardian - Music

Hulene rubbish dump is an assault on the senses.

The Guardian

Marrakech's medina (marketplace) is an assault on the senses.

The Times

Pictorial dynamism is an assault on the senses.

The Guardian - Arts

The mildest breeze is an assault on the senses.

The New York Times

If northern India is an assault on the senses, southern India is a feast for them.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I hope the critic uses his pulpit to write in L.A.'s paper of record that Angelenos who rely on the bus deserve faster service and an assault-on-the-senses free ride, rather than the one they are currently treated to.

Huffington Post

Like a strong briny pickle, kimchi is an assault on the taste senses of the uninitiated eater, and is meant to accompany blander foods.

The New York Times

They were asked whether they thought that the test could adequately measure the effects of pain as an assault on the person's life and sense of identity.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Tang et al. [ 6] theoretically distinguished mental defeat from catastrophizing, because the former is a type of catastrophizing focused not on the experience and meaning of pain per se, but rather on the effects of pain as an assault on the person's life and sense of identity.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Drenched in gaudy neon and soundtracked by a playlist of aggressive, pounding techno, it's an intoxicating assault on the senses.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "an assault on the senses" to vividly describe environments, experiences, or artistic works that significantly impact multiple senses simultaneously. For instance, a bustling market or a loud concert.

Common error

Avoid using "an assault on the senses" in contexts where the sensory experience is generally positive or unremarkable. Instead, opt for phrases like "a feast for the senses" or "a stimulating experience" to better reflect the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an assault on the senses" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or appositive. It vividly characterizes a subject by emphasizing its overwhelming impact on the senses, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Travel

14%

Music

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an assault on the senses" is a descriptive phrase used to vividly convey an overwhelming sensory experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. As illustrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Travel and Music, often to evoke a strong emotional response. While the phrase is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to context to avoid misrepresenting positive or unremarkable sensory experiences. Alternatives such as "a sensory overload" or "a feast for the senses" can be more appropriate depending on the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensory bombardment

Highlights the overwhelming and potentially disorienting aspect of sensory input.

a sensory overload

Focuses on the overwhelming aspect of sensory input, without necessarily implying a negative or aggressive experience.

an intense sensory experience

Focuses on the high degree of sensory engagement.

a feast for the senses

Emphasizes the positive and enjoyable aspect of a rich sensory experience.

a riot of sensations

Conveys the idea of a chaotic and overwhelming sensory experience.

an overwhelming experience

Highlights the intense and all-encompassing nature of the experience, broadening it beyond just the senses.

a barrage of sensations

Implies a rapid and continuous flow of sensory information.

a multi-sensory experience

Highlights the involvement of multiple senses.

a stimulation of the senses

Focuses on the activation and engagement of the senses, rather than an overwhelming impact.

a symphony of sensations

Implies a harmonious and complex sensory experience.

FAQs

How can I use "an assault on the senses" in a sentence?

Use "an assault on the senses" to describe a situation where multiple senses are overwhelmed, like "The bustling market was an assault on the senses, with vibrant colors, strong smells, and loud noises."

What are some synonyms for "an assault on the senses"?

Alternatives include "a sensory overload", "a feast for the senses", or "an overwhelming experience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an assault on the senses"?

It's suitable when describing a powerful, often overwhelming sensory experience. If the experience is positive, consider "a feast for the senses". If it's disorienting, "an assault on the senses" is more fitting.

Is "an assault on the senses" a negative or positive expression?

It can be either, depending on the context. While "assault" has negative connotations, the phrase can describe an exciting, albeit overwhelming, experience. However, it often implies a slightly negative or disorienting effect. Consider the intent before choosing this phrase.