initiate an attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiate an attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe either an offensive military action or a figurative attack, such as a verbal assault. For example: The general decided to initiate an attack on the enemy's forces. OR The politician initiated an attack against his opponent's policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Senator Levin: Now if he did initiate an attack you've..

The New York Times

However, occasionally T cells do initiate an attack against self and are therefore termed autoreactive.

Molecular Immunology

Senator Levin: Now if he did initiate an attack you've... indicated he would probably attempt clandestine attacks against us..

The New York Times

Converted forward Marvin Emnes spun his marker to initiate an attack that left Villa scrambling a ­corner.

The Guardian - Sport

The armed forces and police forces did not move to initiate an attack against demonstrators, Ali says.

The Guardian

If (Saddam) didn't feel threatened, did not feel threatened, is it likely that he would initiate an attack using a weapon of mass destruction?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Moreover, the arithmetic of offensive and defensive missile launches almost always favors the country initiating an attack.

The New York Times

The letter dated Oct. 7 also declassified an exchange from a closed Congressional hearing on Oct. 2 in which a senior intelligence official judged the likelihood of Mr. Hussein's initiating an attack in the foreseeable future as "low".

The New York Times

Senior Intelligence Witness:... My judgment would be that the probability of him initiating an attack -- let me put a time frame on it -- in the foreseeable future, given the conditions we understand now, the likelihood I think would be low.

The New York Times

Steele concluded that initiating an attack on the two mud huts with his soldiers was a comparable act, and that once the Rakkasans touched down anyone they encountered "could legally be engaged or destroyed".

The New Yorker

The political problem is clear: If he initiates an attack without Security Council approval, which now appears likely, he will go to war without the aura of political legitimacy that he and his allies have craved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of military actions, use "initiate an attack" to convey the deliberate act of beginning hostilities. It suggests a planned decision rather than a reactive response.

Common error

Avoid using "initiate an attack" when describing accidental or unintentional conflicts. This phrase implies a conscious decision to begin aggressive actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiate an attack" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of starting an offensive. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, describing either military action or a figurative attack.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initiate an attack" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the start of an offensive action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various contexts, from military analyses to figurative verbal assaults. While suitable for both formal and neutral settings, it's less frequent in casual conversation. Related phrases include "launch an offensive" and "commence hostilities". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a deliberate decision to begin aggressive actions, avoiding its application to unintentional conflicts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Launch an offensive

Focuses on a broad military action rather than the initial act.

Commence hostilities

Emphasizes the start of a state of war or conflict.

Begin an assault

Highlights a violent physical or verbal attack.

Trigger an aggression

Implies causing or starting an aggressive act.

Instigate an incursion

Refers to a sudden and brief invasion or attack.

Mount an offensive

Suggests a planned and coordinated attack.

Set in motion a raid

Describes a sudden surprise attack by security forces.

Spark off a confrontation

Implies initiating a face-to-face argument.

Embark on a campaign

Describes beginning an organized series of military actions.

Pioneer a strike

Denotes being the first to make an action in an attack or disagreement.

FAQs

What does "initiate an attack" mean?

To "initiate an attack" means to start or begin an offensive action, whether it's a military strike, a verbal assault, or another form of aggression.

How can I use "initiate an attack" in a sentence?

You can use "initiate an attack" to describe the beginning of hostilities, for example: "The general decided to "launch an offensive" and "initiate an attack" on the enemy's position".

What are some alternatives to "initiate an attack"?

Some alternatives include "launch an offensive", "commence hostilities", or "begin an assault", depending on the context.

Is "initiate an attack" formal or informal?

"Initiate an attack" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, military analyses, and strategic discussions. It is less common in everyday conversation.