attacked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attacked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a physical assault, a verbal confrontation, or a critique of an idea or argument. Example: "The politician was attacked by the media for his controversial statements during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In some instances they may be attacked because the attacker wants access the NGO's contacts.

The Guardian

"They have attacked the most vulnerable in society, slashed the budget for public services and undermined the credibility of these institutions.

The Guardian

In an indication of what simmering tensions could bring if unleashed, a mob of Christian youths in Jos's Tina neighbourhood set up a roadblock yesterday where they attacked at least three Muslim residents, beating one into a coma.

The Guardian

"We need to bring together a coalition of Americans who want to believe again in the miracle of America," said Cruz, in a sermon-style address that attacked the Internal Revenue Service and condemned the employees of the Environmental Protection Agency as "locusts".

The Guardian

She explained that the sortie began with military precision around 9pm on Monday, that all of those who attacked their homes were wearing surgical gloves, masks and combat uniforms, that they arrived with wheelie bins stuffed with bricks, bottles and other missiles, and that the entire attack appeared to be well organised.

The Guardian

There have been regular incidents involving Serbian clubs in European competition and in December 2012 England's under-21 match ended in chaos with players being attacked on the pitch amid accusations of racism.

The Guardian - Sport

Among the police officers hurt was a woman injured on the hand and another female officer hurt as loyalists smashed up cars belonging to councillors, including that of a Democratic Unionist, and attacked security staff.

The Guardian

"This was an opportunity for Manchester United to work with Imusa in helping fans who had been attacked.

The Guardian - Sport

My case is that your government has cumulatively attacked the Rule of Law by reducing liberties in many different areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Bayern also attacked with energy they were equally generous in defence, starting with the same high-risk, forward-thrusting three-man backline Pep Guardiola had abandoned after 15 minutes of the first leg.

The Guardian - Sport

She attacked the party for refusing to say it would abolish the bedroom tax, failing to speak up for the rights of immigrants and saying benefit cuts "aren't deep enough".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event where "attacked" is used, provide clear context about the "attacker" and the "attacked". This clarity helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the situation accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "attacked" too broadly. While it can apply to physical and verbal situations, consider whether a more specific verb, like "criticized", "assaulted", or "opposed", better conveys the nuance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "attacked" is as the past tense form of the verb "attack." As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a completed action of initiating hostility or aggression, whether physical or verbal. Examples show it describing both literal assaults and critical rebukes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "attacked" functions as the past tense of "attack", describing an act of aggression or forceful criticism. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. Related terms include "assaulted" and "criticized", but these carry slightly different connotations. While appropriate for many situations, ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the event. Overusing it may dilute its impact, so consider synonyms for nuanced contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assaulted

Indicates a physical attack, often with violent intent, emphasizing the directness and force of the action.

criticized

Focuses on verbal or written attacks, highlighting the expression of disapproval or negative judgment.

assailed

Implies a vigorous or concerted attack, either physical or verbal, often creating a sense of being overwhelmed.

raided

Suggests a sudden and forceful attack, usually with the aim of seizing something or disrupting activities.

bombarded

Conveys an overwhelming barrage of attacks, whether physical or verbal, leaving little opportunity for defense.

combated

Emphasizes the act of fighting against or opposing something, often in a sustained or strategic manner.

vandalized

Specifically refers to acts of destruction or defacement, often motivated by malice or disregard for property.

harmed

A more general term indicating that damage or injury has been inflicted, without specifying the nature of the attack.

opposed

Highlights the act of resisting or disagreeing with something, potentially leading to conflict or confrontation.

undermined

Suggests a subtle or indirect attack, weakening something gradually from within rather than through direct force.

FAQs

How is "attacked" used in a sentence?

"Attacked" typically describes a forceful or aggressive action, either physically or verbally. For example, "The city was attacked by invaders", or "The senator was attacked for his controversial policies".

What are some synonyms for "attacked"?

Alternatives to "attacked" include "assaulted", "criticized", "assailed", "raided", or "bombarded", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "attacked" to describe a non-physical assault?

Yes, "attacked" can be used in non-physical contexts to describe strong verbal or written criticism. However, ensure that the intensity of the situation warrants a word as forceful as "attacked".

What is the difference between "attacked" and "criticized"?

"Attacked" implies a more aggressive and forceful action, while "criticized" suggests expressing disapproval or finding fault. An attack is usually more intense than a simple critique.