being aggressed upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being aggressed upon" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to some readers.
It can be used in contexts discussing situations where someone is being attacked or harmed, but it is more formal and less idiomatic than other expressions. Example: "In situations of conflict, individuals often feel as though they are being aggressed upon by others."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Being aggressed upon, physically or verbally, triggers an impulse to fight back.

Los Angeles Times

Yes, it has been aggressive in its borderlands (though largely in response to a sense of, or fear of, being aggressed upon) and yes, it is an authoritarian land, but no longer is it the planet's second superpower or anything remotely like it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For 60 years in our region people have been killed, they have been threatened for 60 years, they have been aggressed upon for 60 years.

The New York Times

We are part of Europe and part of Europe is being aggressed now," Tkeshelashvili said as she arrived in Brussels.

The Guardian

In support of this prediction, inter-colonial aggression in the Argentine ant Linepithema humile is polarised, such that genetically diverse colonies are aggressed by colonies with lower diversity but are comparatively non-aggressive in return [ 18].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We have been aggressed on and victimized.

The New York Times

It's aggressed against a neighbor.

The New Yorker

In the next few days, men from Toronto and men from New York will be aggressing each other with sticks, elbows and the occasional hard slide.

The New York Times - Sports

So they're aggressing the migrants.

Vice

Oftentimes, the person's motives aren't detected, and yet it still inflicts harm against the person they're aggressing against".

Huffington Post

One young man danced, as if he were aggressing the viewers, staring at the camera with a look that said, "don't think you can ignore me".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "being attacked" or "facing aggression" for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "being aggressed upon" in informal contexts. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Simpler phrases like "being attacked" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being aggressed upon" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of aggression. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is formal. Examples show its use in news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being aggressed upon" is a relatively uncommon and formal phrase used to describe the state of being the target of aggression. Ludwig AI suggests it may sound awkward to some. While grammatically acceptable, simpler alternatives like "being attacked" are often preferred for clarity and broader appeal. Usage is primarily seen in news and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the intended audience and context to determine if a more direct and accessible phrase would be more effective. The phrase is a passive construction, indicating the subject receives the aggressive action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being attacked

Direct and commonly used alternative, focusing on the act of aggression itself.

being assaulted

Implies a physical attack or a strong verbal attack.

being subjected to aggression

More formal and emphasizes the state of being the recipient of aggression.

experiencing aggression

Focuses on the experience of the person being aggressed upon.

under attack

Conveys a sense of immediacy and danger.

facing aggression

Emphasizes the confrontation with aggression.

being victimized

Highlights the harm and injustice suffered.

being bullied

Specifically refers to repeated aggressive behavior, often by someone in a position of power.

being harassed

Implies persistent and unwanted aggressive behavior.

being intimidated

Focuses on the use of aggression to instill fear.

FAQs

What does "being aggressed upon" mean?

It means to be the recipient of aggressive actions, whether physical or verbal. It's a more formal way of saying "being attacked" or "being assaulted".

When is it appropriate to use "being aggressed upon"?

It's suitable in formal writing or when emphasizing the state of being the target of aggression. In most everyday situations, simpler alternatives are preferable.

Which is a better alternative: "being aggressed upon" or "being attacked"?

"Being attacked" is generally a better choice due to its simplicity and wider acceptance. "Being aggressed upon" can sound overly formal or awkward.

How can I avoid sounding too formal when describing someone experiencing aggression?

Use simpler and more direct phrases like "facing aggression", "experiencing aggression", or "under attack" instead of "being aggressed upon".