is under assault

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is under assault" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is being attacked, criticized, or challenged, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "The city's infrastructure is under assault from the increasing population and heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The program is under assault elsewhere.

The New York Times

Medicaid is under assault these days from nearly every direction.

The New York Times

"Marriage is under assault," Cruz told the crowd.

The New Yorker

"It is under assault in a way that is pervasive.

The New Yorker

Actually, continental liberalism is under assault from two directions.

The Guardian - Books

Class privilege is still intact but is under assault from all sides.

The New York Times - Arts

Associated Press, May 8thRemember the Alamo"Democracy is under assault in Texas.

The Economist

When he is under assault, Kluwe is clearly in his element.

The New York Times - Sports

The announcement is not likely to change the news media's suspicion that it is under assault.

The New York Times

And health is not the only area where genetic privacy is under assault.

The Economist

Working-class culture is under assault by political elites seeking to denormalise a way of life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is under assault", ensure the context clearly defines what is being attacked and the nature of the assault, whether physical, metaphorical, or emotional. For example, specify "the environment is under assault from pollution".

Common error

While "is under assault" can be impactful, avoid using it excessively or in contexts that exaggerate the situation. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility. Choose more nuanced language when appropriate to maintain a balanced and accurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is under assault" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of a noun. It indicates that the noun is currently experiencing an attack or threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is under assault" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates something is being attacked or threatened. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define what is being attacked and the nature of the assault. While powerful, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "is being attacked" or "is threatened" can provide nuanced variations. Remember that "was under assault" is the correct form when referring to a past event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is being attacked

Directly states the action of being attacked, focusing on the ongoing nature of the attack.

is facing aggression

Emphasizes the aggressive nature of the threat or attack.

is being threatened

Highlights the presence of a threat, whether or not an actual attack has occurred.

is in jeopardy

Focuses on the risk or danger the subject is facing.

is at risk

Similar to "is in jeopardy", but with a slightly broader sense of potential harm.

is in danger

Emphasizes the perilous situation.

is being challenged

Highlights a situation where something is being questioned or opposed, often in a less violent or direct way than an assault.

is facing opposition

Similar to "is being challenged", emphasizing resistance or disagreement.

is in the crosshairs

Suggests being targeted, often with malicious intent.

is targeted

Highlights the act of being deliberately singled out for negative attention or action.

FAQs

How can I use "is under assault" in a sentence?

The phrase "is under assault" is used to describe something that is being attacked, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The city's infrastructure "is under assault" from years of neglect" or "The politician's reputation "is under assault" after the scandal".

What are some alternatives to "is under assault"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is being attacked", "is being challenged", "is threatened", or "is at risk".

Is it correct to say "was under assault" instead of "is under assault"?

Yes, "was under assault" is correct when referring to a past event. "Is under assault" refers to something currently being attacked. For example, "The castle "was under assault" last night" (past) vs. "The castle "is under assault" right now" (present).

What's the difference between "is under assault" and "is under attack"?

While similar, "is under assault" often implies a more sustained or comprehensive attack, whereas "is under attack" can refer to a single or isolated incident. The nuance is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.