launch a missile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launch a missile" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military actions, defense discussions, or strategic operations involving missiles. Example: "The military was ordered to launch a missile in response to the threat detected in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Worse, someone could launch a missile attack.

The New York Times

Would anybody dare launch a missile at Israel?

The New York Times

"Dad," he intones, "if they launch a missile, history will be over".

Independent

Even if they did launch a missile, it would probably be intercepted quite quickly.

The Guardian - Opinion

North Korea says it plans to launch a missile in three weeks.

The New Yorker

Rogues in North Korea, too, could launch a missile aimed at Japan, as they did in 1998.

The New York Times - Sports

Crosby: Obama wants to launch a missile strike against Syria and wonders if we want to join in.

The Guardian

"If you launch a missile and it gets shot down," he said, "you give up missile production".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Last year, North Korea threatened to test-launch a missile with a longer range and greater accuracy.

The New York Times

Two more batches are to follow.Korea's missileNorth Korea is preparing to test-launch a missile with a possible range of 6,400km, said the United States.

The Economist

— Secretary of State John Kerry, warning North Korea about its promise to test-launch a missile, and its recent escalation of tensions in the region.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym like "fire a missile" or "deploy a missile" to provide nuance or emphasize a specific aspect of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "launch a missile" metaphorically in contexts where the literal military connotation is inappropriate or could be misinterpreted. Choose a more suitable verb for non-military actions, such as "initiate", "begin", or "start".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch a missile" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "launch" is the transitive verb and "a missile" is the direct object. As shown by Ludwig AI, it describes the action of sending a missile into flight, often in a military or strategic context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "launch a missile" is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in news and media contexts to describe or discuss military actions and strategic decisions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to report on events related to missile launches. While the phrase itself is neutral, its implications can be serious. When writing, it's important to consider the context and potential connotations. Alternatives such as "fire a missile" or "deploy a missile" can be used to add nuance. Avoid using "launch a missile" metaphorically in situations where the literal meaning could cause confusion or is inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fire a missile

Emphasizes the action of firing the weapon.

deploy a missile

Focuses on the strategic placement and readiness of the missile.

initiate missile launch

Highlights the commencement or beginning of the missile launch process.

undertake missile launch

Formal way to describe starting the missile launch.

execute missile strike

Focuses on the operational and strategic execution of launching a missile for a strike.

conduct a missile test

Refers specifically to testing the missile capabilities.

send a missile

Simple way to describe sending a missile.

propel a missile

Focuses on the act of propelling the missile into flight.

unleash a missile

Emphasizes the force and impact of launching the missile.

trigger a missile launch

Highlights the triggering mechanism or event that starts the missile launch.

FAQs

What does it mean to "launch a missile"?

To "launch a missile" means to initiate the flight of a guided weapon, typically for military or testing purposes. This involves activating the missile's propulsion system and sending it towards a designated target.

What are some alternatives to saying "launch a missile"?

You can use alternatives such as "fire a missile", "deploy a missile", or "initiate missile launch" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "launch a missile"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Launch" functions as a verb, and "missile" is the direct object. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

In what contexts is "launch a missile" typically used?

The phrase is commonly used in discussions about military actions, defense strategies, and international conflicts, as seen in news reports and academic analyses. It can also be used metaphorically, but consider the specific context to avoid misinterpretation.