at attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at attacks" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It seems to be a fragment that lacks context, making it difficult to determine its intended use. Example: "The team was caught off guard at attacks from the opposing side."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr. Vandenhemel scoffed at attacks on the movie star by French politicians and commentators.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama countered that Republicans were no slouches at attacks, even of his birthplace.

The New York Times

The PM even set up a taskforce to look at attacks on journalists.

The Guardian - Opinion

A former attorney general, Dominic Grieve, expressed alarm at attacks on the judiciary.

The Guardian

But Pakistanis are outraged they are already angry at attacks by unmanned American aircraft on targets in their country.

The Economist

In 1985 Mr. Norton, whose ancestors were Irish, moved to Ireland and became outraged at attacks on the homes of Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Talk radio is very good at attack.

The New York Times

No one is better at attacking Russell Brand than Russell Brand.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is now quite accomplished at attacking the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

We're both similar personalities: good at attacking people but not so good at taking it".

Independent

He's also skilled at attacking the very things he practices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to events happening during or after attacks, use prepositions like "during", "after", or "following" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "at" to indicate time or cause related to attacks. "At" typically denotes location or a specific point. Instead, use prepositions such as "during", "because of", or "in response to" for better accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at attacks" functions as a prepositional phrase, but Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically incorrect. Its intended function often aims to specify a time or causal relationship, though it fails to do so accurately in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at attacks" appears in various sources, including news media and business contexts, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The intended function is often to relate events to the timing or cause of attacks, but more precise prepositions such as "during", "after", or "because of" are recommended for clarity and correctness. Due to its questionable grammar, avoid using "at attacks" in formal writing. Instead, opt for alternatives that accurately convey the intended relationship between events and attacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during attacks

Replaces the preposition "at" with "during" to indicate a timeframe in which attacks occur.

in response to attacks

Indicates that something is done as a reaction to attacks.

following attacks

Specifies that something happens after attacks have taken place.

because of attacks

Indicates that attacks are the reason or cause for something.

due to attacks

Similar to "because of attacks", indicating attacks as the cause.

in light of attacks

Indicates that something is considered or done given the context of attacks.

concerning attacks

Indicates a focus on the topic of attacks.

regarding attacks

Similar to "concerning attacks", indicating a focus on the subject of attacks.

with respect to attacks

Introduces a specific aspect related to attacks.

about attacks

Indicates the topic of discussion or information.

FAQs

How can I correctly use a preposition to talk about events related to attacks?

Instead of "at attacks", use prepositions like "during", "after", or "because of". For example, "Measures were taken "in response to" the attacks" is more grammatically sound.

What prepositions can replace "at" when discussing attacks?

Alternatives include "during", "after", "following", "because of", and "in response to", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "at attacks" and "during attacks"?

Yes. "At attacks" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "During attacks" is correct because it specifies the timeframe in which events occur. Using "at" suggests location, which is usually not the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use prepositions like "in", "on", or "at" when talking about attacks?

Use "in" for general locations (e.g., "in the city"), "on" for specific surfaces (e.g., "on the border"), and avoid "at" with attacks unless you are referring to a precise location or point (e.g., "at the site of the attacks"). Consider using "regarding attacks".