attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'attack' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a violent act against someone or something, or as a verb meaning to launch a violent or aggressive act against someone or something. Example sentence: The police reported that there had been an attack on the train station last night.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I do know this: you did not just attack me that night.

The Guardian

Any attack on that and I do fear it would result in industrial action".

The Guardian

"I would also ask the chief constable, in light of this attack, to revise his position in respect of loyalist paramilitaries who are clearly flouting the terms of their ceasefire.

The Guardian

A November report by a British thinktank noted a rise in close military encounters between Russia and the west this year, including "violations of national airspace, emergency scrambles, narrowly avoided mid-air collisions, close encounters at sea, simulated attack runs and other dangerous actions happening on a regular basis over a very wide geographical area".

The Guardian

As Iran enters a critical period in its history, with elections in June, sanctions biting and the increasing threat of an Israeli attack, the Guardian has formed a partnership with the award-winning Tehran Bureau to open a window on life in the Islamic republic.

The Guardian

It was a similar story for Battleship, an alien attack movie as American as McDonald's apple pie, which dropped anchor in 26 territories on 11 April, five weeks before it will dock on US shores.

The Guardian - Film

Man Booker prize-winning author Hilary Mantel delivered a spirited attack on her critics after the BBC was condemned over plans to broadcast her "mischievous" short story on the imagined assassination of Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Books

Another witness was a British man who was supposed to join Richard Reid in a shoe-bomb attack in December 2001 but who quit the conspiracy during a trip home after his parents warned him that he better not be a terrorist.

The Guardian

The prime minister also widened his attack on the Labour leader by saying that a picture of a house decked out in St George's flags in Rochester and Strood tweeted by Emily Thornberry showed that Labour "sneers" at hard-working people.

The Guardian

The mission – which has already seen OPCW inspectors come under sniper fire – was agreed as a means to avoid US-led militactiontion against Syria following a gas attack blamed on forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad in August which killed more than 1,400 people.

The Guardian

It is not just the futility of eight years of fighting in Iraq, frustration in Afghanistan, the loss of thousands of soldiers' lives and the maiming of tens of thousands more that are causing so much doubt over a US attack on Syria now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attack", consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym to convey the specific type of aggression or criticism you intend to express.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the word "attack" in formal writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "critique", "challenge", or "investigate" to maintain a professional tone and to convey subtle variations in meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "attack" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an act of aggression or onset of a disease. As a verb, it describes the action of initiating such aggression. Ludwig AI provides many examples showing how it is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "attack" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, widely employed to denote acts of aggression, onset of diseases, and strategic offensives. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and prevalent across varied contexts. While synonyms like "assault", "onslaught", and "charge" offer nuanced alternatives, understanding the context is key. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing and consider the negative connotations often associated with "attack".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assault

Implies a more direct and physical form of aggression than "attack".

onslaught

Suggests a massive and overwhelming attack.

assail

Similar to "attack" but often used in a figurative sense, like assailing someone with criticism.

charge

Indicates a rapid and forceful advance, often in a military context.

raid

Refers to a sudden and swift attack, usually with a specific objective.

strike

Emphasizes the suddenness and force of the action.

offensive

Highlights the initiative taken in a conflict or competition.

incursion

Suggests a brief and often unauthorized entry into enemy territory.

blitz

Implies a rapid and intense series of attacks.

set upon

A phrasal verb meaning to attack someone or something, often suddenly and unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "attack" in a sentence?

You can use "attack" as a noun, such as "The city suffered an "attack" last night". Or, you can use it as a verb, such as "The general ordered his troops to "attack" the enemy fortress".

What are some synonyms for "attack"?

Some synonyms for "attack" include "assault", "onslaught", and "charge", depending on the context.

Is it always negative to use the word "attack"?

While "attack" often has negative connotations of violence or aggression, it can also be used in contexts like sports, where it refers to an offensive strategy. In addition, it can be used in the onset of a disease like, "heart "attack"".

What is the difference between "attack" and "criticize"?

"Attack" implies a more forceful and often hostile action, while "criticize" suggests a more reasoned evaluation, or to find fault with. For example, a politician might "attack" their opponent's policies, while a reviewer might "criticize" a movie.