initial line of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial line of attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing strategies or approaches to address a problem or challenge. Example: "In our meeting, we will outline the initial line of attack for the marketing campaign to ensure we reach our target audience effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gordon Brown, the struggling prime minister whose initial line of attack against Mr Cameron was to brand him an unreconstructed right-winger, has now taken to calling him a mere "salesman".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His initial line of questioning concerns the Omarska camp itself.

The Guardian

House Democrats signaled their line of attack.

The New York Times

And one line of attack was personal.

The New York Times

And this week, this line of attack flourishes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Edwards offered a similar line of attack.

The New York Times

But that line of attack is off-beam.

The Economist

Also at FEMA, Mr. Obama countered that line of attack.

The New York Times

For another, it is a ludicrously complex line of attack.

The Economist

There's something off about Mr. Ryan's line of attack.

The New York Times

A single line of attack would be more credible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a plan, using "initial line of attack" can clearly communicate the starting strategy before adjustments or alternative approaches are considered.

Common error

Avoid using "initial line of attack" to describe a final or well-established strategy. This phrase indicates a starting point, not the conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial line of attack" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the preliminary strategy or approach to address a specific problem or situation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial line of attack" is a correct and usable English phrase, commonly employed to describe the starting strategy or approach to a problem. Ludwig AI indicates its appropriateness across diverse contexts, particularly within news, science, and wiki domains. While maintaining a generally neutral tone, it leans towards professional usage, fitting for strategic discussions and reports. Remember to use this phrase when describing the commencement of a planned activity rather than a final, well-established strategy, and consider alternative phrases like ""first approach"" or ""primary strategy"" to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first approach

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being the very first attempt.

primary strategy

Highlights the strategic nature of the initial plan.

starting point

Focuses on the commencement or beginning of an action.

initial tactic

Similar to strategy but often implies a more specific or short-term maneuver.

preliminary plan

Highlights that the plan is subject to change after the first execution.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic opening move in a competitive scenario.

first course of action

Highlights the action-oriented element and being the first in a sequence.

original method

Focuses on the innovative and original facet of the first approach.

early strategy

Indicates that the strategy is deployed at the onset or early stages.

initial move

Implies a single action that starts a series of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial line of attack" to describe the first strategy employed when addressing a problem or challenge. For example: "The company's "initial line of attack" to increase sales involved a targeted marketing campaign."

What is a good substitute for "initial line of attack"?

Alternatives include "first approach", "primary strategy", or "starting point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "initial line of attack" formal or informal?

"Initial line of attack" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is often found in news reporting and strategic discussions. It maintains a neutral tone and is appropriate for various audiences.

What's the difference between "initial line of attack" and "final strategy"?

"Initial line of attack" refers to the first approach used to tackle a problem, while "final strategy" describes the ultimate plan after all adjustments and revisions have been made. The former is the beginning, and the latter is the end result.