from the flank of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from the flank of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position or action that originates from the side of something, often in a military or strategic context. Example: "The troops advanced from the flank of the enemy position, catching them by surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

From behind the loggia and from the flank of the palazzo, the tall, colonnaded twin wings of a later building, the Uffizi, stretch down to the Arno.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike Republican elected officials across the country, who have confronted a resilient tea party insurgency, Democrats other than Cuomo have not had to respond to serious primary challenges from the flank of the party.

The Washington Post

The miR-9-regulated repression of TYR activity also resulted in a significant decrease in photoacoustic signal from the flank of mice with 5-Aza-dC treatment, whereas the bioluminescence signal from internal control had no obvious change.

Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids

One core was taken from the Southeast Indian Ridge in association with IBW, and three were taken from the flank of the ridge associated with AABW flowing within a western boundary contour current in the South Australian Basin.

Duke University

We also collected some bird nest sponges from the flank of the SM2 seamount, separated them carefully from the sediment and immediately preserved them in 70% ethanol.

Plosone

The limb bud begins as a small protrusion of cells from the flank of the embryo.

Development (Cambridge)

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Stegosaurs lost the armour from the flanks of the body that these early relatives had.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the magma cools, it is pushed away from the flanks of the ridges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the plates move away from the flanks of the ridges, they carry the continents with them.

Britannica

These cells will, in turn, form something akin to a limb bud, the nascent limb that first protrudes from the flanks of a developing embryo.

The New York Times - Magazine

At an elevation of about 1,765 feet (538 metres) in the west-central part of the state, Monterrey sprawls over the semiarid floodplain of the Santa Catarina River, which spills eastward from the flanks of the Sierra Madre Oriental.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military maneuvers or geographical features, use "from the flank of" to clearly indicate the side or edge from which movement or features originate.

Common error

Avoid using "from the flank of" in abstract or non-spatial contexts. It's best suited for scenarios involving physical locations or strategic positions, not for describing opinions or abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from the flank of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate direction or origin. This usage is supported by Ludwig examples showing actions originating from a side or edge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from the flank of" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the origin or direction of something in relation to a side or edge. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as relatively uncommon, predominantly appearing in science, news & media and encyclopedia sources. While neutrally formal, it's best reserved for contexts where spatial or strategic orientation is key, like military maneuvers or geographical descriptions. Consider alternatives such as "from the side of" or "from the edge of" depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the side of

Focuses on the general side location rather than a more specific military or geographical flank.

from the edge of

Indicates proximity to a boundary or outer limit, similar to a flank.

on the periphery of

Emphasizes the outer boundary or margin, akin to the strategic position of a flank.

at the border of

Highlights a dividing line or edge, suggesting a similar spatial relationship.

along the side of

Indicates a position parallel to the side, rather than originating from it.

from the margin of

Suggests a starting point at the edge, similar to a flank's position.

out of the wing of

A more figurative way to indicate something coming from a supporting or lateral position.

from alongside

Highlights a position next to something, close to the idea of a flank.

emanating from the side

Focuses on the origin of something coming from the side, similar to actions "from the flank".

originating laterally

Indicates a lateral source or beginning, similar to the concept of a flank position.

FAQs

How can I use "from the flank of" in a sentence?

Use "from the flank of" to indicate that something originates from the side or edge of a physical object or area. For example, "The attack came "from the flank of" the hill".

What phrases are similar to "from the flank of"?

Similar phrases include "from the side of", "from the edge of", or "on the periphery of", depending on the context.

Is "from the flank of" formal or informal?

"From the flank of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing about physical spaces or military actions.

What is the difference between "from the side of" and "from the flank of"?

"From the side of" is a more general term, while "from the flank of" typically implies a strategic or geographical position, particularly in military or landscape descriptions. Use "from the flank of" when you want to emphasize the edge or boundary aspect.