deciding to attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deciding to attack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a choice or intention to initiate an aggressive action or strategy. Example: "After much deliberation, the general was left with no choice but to proceed with deciding to attack the enemy forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In deciding to attack the Abu Sayyaf, Mr Estrada hit the nail on the head.

The Economist

Buffy's attempts to slay the Bezoar are interrupted by the Gorch brothers deciding to attack".

The New York Times

A fifth-generation white Zimbabwean, Butch had spent years as a ranger in Hwange before deciding to attack the conservation problem at its root.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Gore no doubt made a political calculation in deciding to attack the war against Iraq, just as he made a political calculation to keep quiet about his disagreements with Mr. Bush for so long after the election.

The New York Times

Take the possibility of the US deciding to attack Iran (which, despite the first signs of a rapprochement with that member of the Axis of Evil, Blair and Bush still refuse to rule out) but the British government sticking to the idea that President Ahmadinejad's nuclear ambitions are best dealt with diplomatically, and stepping aside.

The Guardian

Monmouth could view them from the tower of Church of St Mary and may have inspected them more closely from the Church of St Mary in Chedzoy, before deciding to attack them.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We decided to attack him".

The New Yorker

He decided to attack Ross with fastballs.

The New York Times

Blame the scum that decided to attack an innocent person.

Independent

I decided to attack this challenge like a black-and-white photo.

The New York Times

He began raiding Kentucky once again and then decided to attack Union forces at Knoxville, Tenn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deciding to attack", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is making the decision and what the target of the attack is.

Common error

Ensure that the subject "deciding to attack" is explicitly stated to avoid confusion about who is making the decision. For example, instead of "Circumstances led to deciding to attack", specify "The general was deciding to attack".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deciding to attack" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or part of the subject in a sentence, describing the act of making a decision about initiating an attack. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deciding to attack" functions as a gerund phrase, correctly used to describe the action of making a choice to initiate an aggressive action. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is generally neutral in register and found primarily in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, indicating a broad applicability in reporting and describing strategic decisions. While not exceedingly common, understanding its usage, alternatives, and potential for ambiguity are essential for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making the decision to attack

Adds emphasis to the act of deciding.

opting to attack

Replaces "deciding" with "opting", emphasizing a choice made from available options.

choosing to attack

Substitutes "deciding" with "choosing", highlighting the act of selection.

electing to attack

Similar to "opting", but may suggest a more formal or considered choice.

resolving to attack

Emphasizes a firm decision or determination to attack.

determining to attack

Focuses on the process of reaching a firm decision to attack.

intending to attack

Highlights the intention or purpose to attack.

planning an attack

Shifts the focus to the planning stage of an attack, rather than the decision itself.

preparing to attack

Focuses on the preparations being made for an imminent attack.

contemplating an attack

Indicates consideration of attacking, without necessarily implying a final decision.

FAQs

How can I use "deciding to attack" in a sentence?

You can use "deciding to attack" to describe a moment of choice, for instance: "After careful consideration, the commander was "deciding to attack" the enemy stronghold."

What are some alternatives to "deciding to attack"?

Alternatives include "opting to attack", "choosing to attack", or "resolving to attack", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "deciding to attack" grammatically correct?

Yes, "deciding to attack" is grammatically correct as a gerund phrase, often used to describe the action of making a choice to initiate an attack.

What's the difference between "deciding to attack" and "planning to attack"?

"Deciding to attack" refers to the moment of making the decision, while "planning to attack" refers to the subsequent actions of strategizing and preparing for the attack itself.