first line of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

"first line of attack" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a strategy used to deal with a challenge or problem. For example: "The company's first line of attack to fix the issue was to upgrade their computer systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's generally the first line of attack from the lawyers".

The New York Times - Sports

Before chemotherapy, before radiation, the knife is frequently the oncologist's first line of attack.

The Economist

The first line of attack will be that they are impracticable.

The Economist

COMPUTERIZING the property division's data collection system is her first line of attack.

The New York Times

But they are sometimes administered as a first line of attack, a use that is not approved.

The New York Times

The first line of attack is to dodge the moral case, but instead argue that aid is given badly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The second line of attack is to shift what the campaign is about.

The New York Times

The second line of attack is to overhaul schemes that help workers retrain and encourage them to search for work.

The Economist

Its substitute Alexis Sanchez did what others failed to do by springing forward from the second line of attack to poke the ball past Iker Casillas.

The New York Times - Sports

Some argue, too, that students should not be shunted off into exclusively vocational training but keep the option to go back into the academic stream.A second line of attack is to improve the skills of those already in the workforce.

The Economist

Bush's second line of attack on Iran in his Reno speech was that it was backing Shia militant factions in Iraq by training their activists, and equipping them with arms, including sophisticated roadside bombs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first line of attack" when you want to emphasize the initial and most direct approach to solving a problem or challenge. It implies a proactive and often assertive strategy.

Common error

While "first line of attack" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it in contexts where a less aggressive approach would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly confrontational or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first line of attack" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It designates the initial and primary strategy employed to confront a challenge or problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first line of attack" is a common noun phrase denoting an initial strategy or approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While related phrases like "initial strategy" or "primary approach" offer less aggressive alternatives, "first line of attack" maintains a strong, assertive tone suitable for describing proactive responses to challenges. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly confrontational. The phrase enjoys frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial offensive

Keeps the aggressive tone of the original phrase, but using "offensive" instead of "attack".

initial step

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the very first action taken.

initial strategy

Replaces the metaphorical "line of attack" with a more direct and less combative term.

primary approach

Substitutes "first line" with "primary" and "attack" with "approach" to soften the aggressive connotation.

initial course of action

Presents a more formal and detailed alternative, emphasizing the planned nature of the initial step.

first move

Shortens the phrase to emphasize the beginning of an action or strategy.

starting point

Offers a more general and less forceful alternative, suitable for less confrontational contexts.

opening gambit

Introduces a strategic connotation, similar to chess, implying a calculated initial move.

preliminary measure

Highlights the preparatory and tentative nature of the initial action.

primary defense

Shifts the focus from offense to defense, while retaining the concept of the initial response.

FAQs

How can I use "first line of attack" in a sentence?

You can use "first line of attack" to describe the initial strategy or method used to address a problem. For example, "The company's "first line of attack" against the declining sales was a new marketing campaign."

What's a less aggressive alternative to "first line of attack"?

If you want a less confrontational phrase, you can use alternatives like "initial strategy", "primary approach", or "initial step" depending on the context.

Is "first line of attack" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "first line of attack" can be appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a strategic response to a challenge. However, consider your audience and the tone you want to convey, as it can sound somewhat forceful.

What is the difference between "first line of attack" and "second line of attack"?

"First line of attack" refers to the initial or primary strategy, while "second line of attack" refers to a secondary or backup strategy used if the first one fails.