extent of the attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extent of the attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the magnitude, scope, or severity of an attack, whether in a military, cyber, or metaphorical context. Example: "The intelligence report detailed the extent of the attack, highlighting the areas most affected and the number of casualties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

However, details of the extent of the attack remain unclear.

Independent

Other world leaders offered sympathy and support as the extent of the attack became apparent.

The Guardian

It is still trying to discover the extent of the attack, its source and its motives.

Independent

It was hours before President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew the full extent of the attack.

The New York Times - Arts

This might be necessary for creativity, but perhaps we are not fully appreciating the extent of the attack against culture.

The Guardian - Books

The report, published on Wednesday, revealed the full extent of the attack at the Simonstone Hall hotel in North Yorkshire, where the programme team had travelled for a location shoot on 4 March.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

United States computer security researchers who have examined the attacking software and watched network traffic played down the sophistication and extent of the attacks.

The New York Times - Tech

Police say the full extent of the attacks only became clear in the following days as increasing numbers of victims began to come forward.

The Guardian

"Those who caused the recession will be cracking open the champagne today, while the full extent of the attacks on the living standards of poor and middle-income Britain are starting to sink in".

The Guardian - Business

Much of this activity flourished early in the crisis, while there was a vacuum of official information either from government sources or from mainstream media outlets still struggling to understand the extent of the attacks.

The New York Times

The military gave no details about how many planes were involved or the extent of the attacks; Turkish NTV television reported that the mission involved more than 50 planes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "extent of the attack", ensure that the context clearly defines what type of attack is being discussed (e.g., cyber attack, military assault, verbal onslaught) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "extent of the attack" without specifying what was attacked. Provide specific details (e.g., "extent of the cyber attack on customer data") to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extent of the attack" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the degree, scope, or magnitude of an attack. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe the impact or reach of various types of attacks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extent of the attack" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the magnitude, scope, or severity of an attack. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. The phrase functions to inform or assess the impact of an offensive action, with a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "magnitude of the attack" or "scope of the attack". When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the type of attack being discussed for clarity. The sources analyzed confirm that the phrase is widely used and understood, making it a reliable choice for describing the scale and impact of an attack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

magnitude of the attack

Focuses on the scale and importance of the attack.

scope of the attack

Emphasizes the range and comprehensiveness of the attack.

severity of the attack

Highlights the intensity and damaging effects of the attack.

impact of the attack

Focuses on the consequences and effects resulting from the attack.

scale of the attack

Refers to the size and reach of the attack.

dimensions of the attack

Emphasizes the various measurable aspects of the attack.

range of the attack

Highlights the area or spectrum affected by the attack.

degree of the attack

Focuses on the level or intensity of the attack.

reach of the attack

Emphasizes how far the attack extended.

intensity of the attack

Highlights the concentrated force or energy of the attack.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "extent of the attack"?

You can use alternatives such as "magnitude of the attack", "scope of the attack", or "severity of the attack" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "extent of the attack" mean in cybersecurity?

In cybersecurity, "extent of the attack" refers to the scope and depth of a cyber intrusion, including the systems compromised, data accessed, and overall damage caused.

Is it correct to say "full extent of the attack"?

Yes, "full extent of the attack" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the entirety and completeness of the attack's impact or scope.

How does the "extent of the attack" influence the response strategy?

The "extent of the attack" directly informs the scale and type of response needed. A minor attack might require basic security measures, while a major attack could necessitate a comprehensive incident response plan, involving law enforcement and external cybersecurity experts.