has struck back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has struck back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something retaliates or responds to an attack or challenge. Example: "After being criticized for his policies, the politician has struck back with a series of counterarguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The Empire has struck back.

Independent

He could face up to five years' imprisonment.Mr de Villepin has struck back.

The Economist

Graft and cronyism in India are like an evil Empire that has struck back.

The Economist

But the liberal group - one of several competing factions inside the Kremlin - has struck back.

The Guardian

Now an anti-war veterans group has struck back: Technorati Tags: Iraq, Rush Limbaugh.

The Guardian

Angered at the slant of coverage, the local press has struck back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Republicans had struck back at the Florida Supreme Court.

The New York Times

Some drug companies have struck back through the courts.

The Economist

Elsewhere, those the Qataris once supported have struck back.

The Economist

The Ukrainians, for their part, have struck back.

The New York Times

In Germany the old football empires have struck back.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has struck back" to convey a sense of direct and often forceful response to an action or statement. Ensure the context clearly establishes the initial action that prompted the response.

Common error

Avoid using "has struck back" if the context doesn't clearly define who initiated the conflict or action that prompted the response. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has struck back" functions as a verb phrase indicating a retaliatory action or response to an initial action. Ludwig examples show its use in describing reactions from political entities, organizations, and individuals. It conveys a sense of active defense or counter-attack.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has struck back" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a retaliatory action or forceful response. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used in news and media contexts to convey action and reaction, often in situations of conflict. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "has retaliated" or "has responded forcefully" may be suitable for academic or business writing. To use this phrase effectively, ensure that the context clearly defines the initiator of the original action. This avoids misinterpretations and maintains clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has retaliated

Emphasizes a direct act of revenge or payback.

has responded forcefully

Highlights the strength and impact of the response.

has counterattacked

Suggests a response specifically aimed at negating an initial attack.

has fought back

Implies a sustained effort to resist or overcome an opponent.

has hit back

Similar to retaliated, but can also imply a verbal or less physical response.

has answered in kind

Indicates a response that mirrors the original action or behavior.

has taken revenge

Focuses on the desire for retribution and evening the score.

has defended itself

Highlights the defensive nature of the response.

has turned the tables

Suggests a reversal of fortune or a shift in power dynamics.

has paid back in spades

Emphasizes a response that is far greater in magnitude than the original action.

FAQs

How can I use "has struck back" in a sentence?

You can use "has struck back" to describe a retaliatory action, as in "After the accusations, the company "has struck back" with a detailed rebuttal".

What's a formal alternative to "has struck back"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "has retaliated" or "has responded forcefully". These options maintain a serious tone while conveying a similar meaning.

Is "has struck back" appropriate for academic writing?

While "has struck back" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider alternatives like "has counterattacked" or "has defended itself" for clarity and formality.

What's the difference between "has struck back" and "has hit back"?

"Has struck back" typically implies a more significant or forceful response, while "has hit back" can refer to a verbal or less physical retort. The best choice depends on the context and the intensity of the response you want to convey.