attack with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attack with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the method or means by which an attack is carried out, often in a military or metaphorical context. Example: "The general decided to attack with a surprise airstrike to catch the enemy off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We didn't attack with aggressiveness.

Princeton University

They're not going to attack with guns.

The New York Times

Most conductors attack with a crash.

The New York Times - Arts

Argentina on the attack with Fernando Gago.

The Guardian - Sport

allows an attack with 16 Ba6!

The New York Times

He remembers one attack with particular clarity.

The Guardian

She spoke of the attack with resignation.

The New Yorker

Westerners started to come under attack with troubling frequency.

The New Yorker

Alfi survived the attack with a broken arm.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Against Arsenal they looked to counter-attack with speed.

BBC

They are very hard to jump-attack with.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attack with", ensure the noun following "with" clearly indicates the instrument, method, or quality employed in the attack. For instance, "attack with precision" or "attack with overwhelming force" provide vivid details.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by clearly specifying what is being used to "attack". Saying, "They attacked with intent", is less impactful than "They attacked with knives and clubs". Ensure the "with" phrase is concrete and descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attack with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of initiating an offensive, combined with a preposition that specifies the method or instrument used. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attack with" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the method or means by which an attack is carried out. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general writing. When using "attack with", ensure clarity by specifying the instrument or method employed, and consider the subtle differences between "attack with" and similar phrases like ""assault using"" or ""strike with"" to achieve the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assault using

Emphasizes the method or instrument used in the assault.

strike with

Highlights the act of striking, often implying a sudden or forceful action.

launch an offensive employing

Formal and emphasizes the strategic aspect of the attack, specifying the means used.

initiate an attack utilizing

Similar to 'launch an offensive employing' but with a slightly different tone.

begin aggression via

Focuses on the aggressive nature of the action and the method of aggression.

mount an assault by means of

Formal and emphasizes the planning and execution of the assault.

commence hostilities employing

Formal and highlights the beginning of conflict using a specific tool or method.

unleash an offensive through

Emphasizes the forceful and uncontrolled nature of the attack.

wage an attack using

Formal and suggests a sustained and planned offensive.

start the offensive with

A more direct and less nuanced way of expressing the beginning of an attack.

FAQs

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

Use "attack with" to describe the means or method used in an offensive action. For example, "The army plans to "attack with" air support" or "The lawyer will "attack with" compelling evidence".

What are some alternatives to "attack with"?

Alternatives include "assault using", "strike with", or "launch an offensive employing", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "attack by" instead of "attack with"?

While "attack by" can indicate the attacker (e.g., "attack by terrorists"), "attack with" specifies the method or instrument used. The correct choice depends on whether you're focusing on who is attacking or how they are attacking.

What's the difference between "attack with" and "counter-attack with"?

"Attack with" describes an initial offensive, while "counter-attack with" indicates a response to an initial attack. For instance, "They "attack with" tanks", versus "They counter-attack with artillery".