launch an assault

USAGE SUMMARY

"launch an assault" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an attack or offensive against an enemy, a group, or a place. For example, "The troops launched an assault on the enemy base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has no doubt that he has the right group of players with which to launch an assault on 2011.

Independent

The airstrikes were used to clear the entrance in order for land forces to launch an assault, he said.

The New York Times

Nor could it be ignored when Ronald Reagan came into office determined to launch an assault on Central America.

The Guardian

He had, Thompson says, rejected proposals to launch an assault, committing himself instead to talks with prisoners.

The New Yorker

The FSA have informed families to leave the district within 10 days before they launch an assault on army positions.

The Guardian

Annie Lennox has quit her record label after 30 years to launch an assault on the charts for the Christmas number one.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then Georgia launched an assault on South Ossetia, and a brutal war began.

Independent

Moreover, Thomas's soldiers won the day by unilaterally launching an assault that Grant angrily denounced.

The New York Times

Newcomers have launched an assault on another market where banks used to hold sway: foreign exchange.

The Economist

And in October the army launched an assault on his former fief, in South Waziristan.

The Economist

Eight years ago, Martin Crimp's The Country launched an assault on the comforting pastoral myth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "launch an assault", consider the context to ensure the level of formality and intensity is appropriate. The phrase can apply to military actions, as well as figurative assaults on ideas or markets.

Common error

Avoid using "launch an assault" in very casual situations where simpler terms like "start" or "begin" would be more suitable. Using it too broadly can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch an assault" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an aggressive action. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in both literal military contexts and figurative contexts, such as business or political strategies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch an assault" is a frequently used phrase, predominantly in news and media and also in Wiki sources, to describe the initiation of a forceful action, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, its use should be considered in relation to the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. Related phrases like "begin an attack" and "commence an offensive" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and intensity. Considering these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin an attack

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

commence an offensive

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the planned nature of the action.

initiate a raid

This alternative implies a smaller-scale, surprise attack.

mount an offensive

This alternative is more formal and suggests a carefully planned and organized attack.

undertake an attack

This alternative is more formal, suggesting a serious and deliberate action.

wage an offensive

This alternative implies a sustained and prolonged period of attack.

stage an attack

This alternative emphasizes the carefully planned and executed nature of the attack.

set in motion an offensive

This alternative emphasizes the act of starting the attack.

unleash an offensive

This alternative conveys a sense of uncontrolled force and intensity.

trigger an offensive

This alternative suggests that the action is a catalyst for a larger conflict.

FAQs

How is "launch an assault" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "launch an assault" is usually used to describe the beginning of a military attack or a strong offensive. For example, "The army prepared to launch an assault on the enemy fortress."

What are some alternatives to "launch an assault"?

You can use alternatives like "begin an attack", "commence an offensive", or "initiate a raid", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "launch an assault" appropriate for non-military contexts?

Yes, "launch an assault" can be used figuratively in non-military contexts to describe a strong, forceful effort, such as "launch an assault on the market" or "launch an assault on outdated ideas". However, consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

What is the difference between "launch an assault" and "launch an attack"?

While similar, "launch an assault" often implies a more coordinated and forceful action than "launch an attack". An assault suggests a determined and organized effort to overcome resistance.