are under attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are under attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being targeted or assaulted, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The city's infrastructure and emergency services are under attack from the relentless storm, causing widespread damage and chaos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Women are under attack.

The New York Times

We are under attack.

The New York Times

Hispanics are under attack.

The New York Times

The poor are under attack.

The New York Times

"They are under attack".

The New York Times

Now they themselves are under attack.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We were under attack.

The New York Times

Zliten is under attack.

The Economist

He's under attack.

The New York Times

"Civilisation itself" is under attack.

The Economist

"Copyright is under attack.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are under attack" to clearly and directly convey that a person, group, or entity is currently being subjected to harmful actions or strong criticism. Ensure the context clarifies who is attacking and what form the attack is taking.

Common error

Avoid using "are under attack" when the situation involves minor inconveniences or disagreements. The phrase implies a significant and harmful assault, not just a difference of opinion or a slight setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are under attack" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. It indicates that the subject is currently experiencing some form of aggression, opposition, or harm. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies an active assault, whether physical or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are under attack" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where a person, group, or entity is facing active aggression or significant criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys a sense of urgency and vulnerability. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the scale and severity of the situation, as it implies more than just a simple disagreement. Alternatives like "are being targeted" or "are facing aggression" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. Its widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool in conveying critical situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being targeted

Focuses on the intentional aspect of being selected for negative attention or action, emphasizing intent.

are facing aggression

Highlights the hostile nature of the situation, emphasizing active opposition or hostility.

are being threatened

Emphasizes the potential for harm or danger, suggesting a possible future attack.

are being pressured

Focuses on the exertion of influence or force to make someone do something against their will.

are in danger

Indicates a state of risk or peril, implying potential harm or loss.

are at risk

Similar to "are in danger", but emphasizes vulnerability and the likelihood of negative consequences.

are being besieged

Suggests being surrounded and subjected to persistent attacks or pressure, often used in a metaphorical sense.

are encountering hostility

Highlights the presence of unfriendly or aggressive behavior.

are experiencing opposition

Focuses on resistance or disagreement, suggesting a conflict of interests or ideas.

are confronting adversity

Emphasizes the challenging and difficult nature of the circumstances being faced.

FAQs

How can I use "are under attack" in a sentence?

Use "are under attack" to describe a situation where something or someone is being actively harmed or criticized. For example, "The city's infrastructure "is under attack" by the relentless storm" or "The politician's policies "are under attack" from opposing parties".

What can I say instead of "are under attack"?

You can use alternatives like "are being targeted", "are facing aggression", or "are being threatened" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are under attack"?

It is appropriate to use "are under attack" when describing situations involving active harm, significant criticism, or imminent danger. It's best suited for scenarios where the target faces substantial negative consequences.

What's the difference between "are under attack" and "are facing challenges"?

"Are under attack" implies active harm or opposition, while "are facing challenges" suggests difficulties or obstacles. The former is more severe and denotes intentional harm, whereas the latter is a broader term for any difficulty encountered.