displays of aggression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "displays of aggression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe observable behaviors or actions that indicate aggressive tendencies or hostility. Example: "The animal's displays of aggression were alarming, prompting the zookeepers to take precautions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Yanomami men soon realized that the white man would reward their own displays of aggression with machetes and other highly prized tools.

The New York Times - Books

Murkowski has been spared public displays of aggression from Trump — and some GOP Senate aides are keeping their fingers crossed that it will continue.

The Washington Post

That decision makes Boyd a more complex and less accessible antihero, and Scott Speedman plays him with a vulnerability that softens even his brief displays of aggression.

The New York Times

Timothy Daly, the president of the New Teacher Project, a group focused on teacher effectiveness and aligned with the reform movement, said that public displays of aggression toward Dr. King were political tactics that should be cause for concern.

The New York Times

They allowed themselves to be intimidated by Fascist rhetoric; justifiably horrified by the First World War, they wanted to give pacifism a chance, and so refrained from the flag-waving displays of aggression that might have revealed their true strength, while hoping, despite his proclamations to the contrary, that Hitler might be satisfied with smaller, regional conquests.

The New Yorker

The action-movie elements of the plot are not worth going into — Nicole is after a big story that rubs one set of baddies the wrong way, while Milo's gambling debts summon a different set of heavies — but they provide both a degree of momentum and an excuse for glowering displays of aggression.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It was a stunning display of aggression and incompetence.

The New York Times

The seal retreated, shimmying back several feet even as it opened its bubblegum-pink mouth in a display of aggression.

The New Yorker

Such an open display of aggression and hostility runs counter to the euphemistic and allegedly peaceful instinct of our national culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pierce and Kafelnikov were the only seeded players to falter on the truncated schedule, but there were interesting results among matches that did get resolved, most notably the 6-0, 6-1 display of aggression by Serena Williams against Corina Morariu.

The New York Times - Sports

Originally scientists thought the behaviour was a flamboyant display of aggression in response to an intruder, but after more extensive observations the monkeys appeared to be seeking out the quartz dust produced by smashing the rocks, possibly because it has a nutritional benefit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "displays of aggression", provide specific details about the actions or behaviors to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether the aggression is physical, verbal, or symbolic.

Common error

Avoid using "displays of aggression" as a catch-all term. Instead, differentiate between types of aggression, such as reactive aggression (impulsive, emotional response) and proactive aggression (planned, goal-oriented behavior) for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displays of aggression" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to observable instances or manifestations of aggressive behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and conveys a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displays of aggression" is a noun phrase used to describe instances of hostile or threatening behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and clear meaning. While not extremely common, it's versatile enough for various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. When using the phrase, consider specifying the type of aggression (physical, verbal, etc.) for clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "acts of hostility" or "outbursts of violence" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive behavior

A more general term encompassing a range of actions and attitudes expressing hostility.

acts of hostility

Focuses on the actions themselves, emphasizing the antagonistic nature.

belligerent conduct

Focuses on behavior that is overtly hostile and confrontational.

outbursts of violence

Highlights sudden and uncontrolled expressions of aggression, adding an element of impulsivity.

hostile demonstrations

Suggests a public or overt expression of aggression, often with a specific target or purpose.

shows of force

Emphasizes the use of power or strength to intimidate, suggesting a more deliberate intent.

provocative displays

Highlights actions intended to incite anger or aggression in others.

threatening gestures

Specifies non-verbal cues indicating potential harm or intimidation.

intimidation tactics

Focuses on the deliberate use of aggression to instill fear or control.

warlike actions

Implies a more organized and sustained form of aggression, akin to military conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "displays of aggression" in a sentence?

You can use "displays of aggression" to describe instances where someone or something exhibits hostile or threatening behavior. For example, "The increasing "displays of aggression" /s/displays+of+aggression from the protestors led to heightened security measures."

What are some synonyms for "displays of aggression"?

Alternatives to "displays of aggression" include "acts of hostility", "outbursts of violence", or "shows of force", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What's the difference between "displays of aggression" and "aggressive behavior"?

"Displays of aggression" refers to specific instances of aggressive actions, while "aggressive behavior" is a broader term encompassing a general pattern of hostility or assertiveness.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "displays of aggression"?

The phrase "displays of aggression" is appropriate in contexts where you need to describe observable instances of hostile or threatening behavior, such as in news reports, scientific studies, or psychological analyses. However, consider using more specific terms if the context requires greater precision.