attack on

USAGE SUMMARY

"attack on" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to an act of aggression or hostility directed at someone or something. For example: "The attack on the city left hundreds of people homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An attack on one who serves is an attack on all who serve.

The New York Times

"This was an attack on American arrogance".

The New Yorker

Scott Walker's attack on union rights.

The New York Times

Their attack on Labour is plausible.

Independent

"It is an attack on Pakistan".

The New York Times

Then came the attack on the Embassy.

The New Yorker

Authorities blamed the attack on Taliban insurgents.

The New York Times

Same with the attack on us.

The New York Times

This becomes an attack on Mitt Romney.

The New Yorker

This isn't an attack on Tony Benn.

Independent

This was an attack on the protesters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attack on", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom is being targeted. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague passive constructions like "An attack was made on…" when you can directly state who initiated the attack: "The rebels launched an "attack on" the capital."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attack on" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. It typically follows a verb or noun, indicating the target or object of an aggressive action. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, from physical assaults to verbal criticisms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "attack on" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe acts of aggression or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki articles, signifying its relevance across various domains. While alternatives like "assault on" or "offensive against" exist, "attack on" maintains a versatile and widely understood meaning. To ensure clarity, it's best to specify the target of the "attack on". Avoid using vague passive constructions and always strive for direct and precise language. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the phrase's diverse applications and its crucial role in conveying conflict and antagonism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assault on

This alternative emphasize the violent nature and the physical impact.

Aggression toward

This phrase emphasizes the hostile intent or behavior directed at someone or something, rather than the specific act of attacking.

Assault upon

This phrase implies a more physical and direct form of aggression compared to "attack on".

Strike against

This suggests a focused and often retaliatory action, which has a different connotation than a general "attack on".

Offensive against

This suggests a planned and strategic military or competitive action, unlike a general "attack on".

Incursion into

This phrase highlights the act of entering a space or domain aggressively, which differs from a broader "attack on".

Raid on

This indicates a sudden and often illegal or unauthorized assault, unlike a general "attack on".

Campaign against

This phrase signifies a sustained and organized effort to undermine or defeat something, unlike a single "attack on".

Harassment of

This implies persistent and annoying actions, which differs from a singular, intense "attack on".

Encroachment upon

This phrase suggests a gradual and subtle intrusion or infringement, unlike a direct "attack on".

FAQs

How can I use "attack on" in a sentence?

Use "attack on" to describe an act of aggression or hostility. For example, "The "attack on" the embassy sparked international outrage."

What are some alternatives to "attack on"?

You can use alternatives like "assault on", "offensive against", or "aggression toward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "attack against" instead of "attack on"?

While "attack against" might seem logical, "attack on" is the idiomatic and more commonly used preposition in English. Using "attack against" may sound awkward to native speakers.

What's the difference between "attack on" and "criticism of"?

"Attack on" implies a more forceful or aggressive action, often physical or destructive. "Criticism of", on the other hand, refers to expressing disapproval or finding fault, which is less aggressive. For example, "The "attack on" the city" versus "Criticism of the government's policies."