launch an attack

USAGE SUMMARY

"launch an attack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone or something launches a hostile or aggressive action against another. For example, "The enemy forces launched an attack against our base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An adversary can launch an attack to inject negative prices to increase power usage (of automated appliances), which may result in a peak or spike in electricity usage.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Froome prepares to launch an attack.

The Guardian - Sport

On one hand he wants to launch an attack.

The New York Times

America and its allies launch an attack on Islamic State in Syria.

The Economist

Emboldened, the DPJ's leader, Seiji Maehara, proceeded to launch an attack on Mr Koizumi himself.

The Economist

For it to launch an attack was a tougher blow to shrug off.

The New York Times - Style

After a crash course in weaponry, the immigrants launch an attack on an Arab hilltop stronghold.

The New York Times

Nor is it clear how they could be deployed in the minutes it takes IS to launch an attack.

The Economist

Crucial questions remain unanswered, including what laws of war would apply to decisions to launch an attack.

The New York Times

First, the capability of Syria and its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon to launch an attack on Israel has diminished dramatically.

The New York Times

Miliband asked for an assurance that Cameron would not use the royal prerogative to launch an attack on Syria (ie, without consulting parliament) and that instead he would only launch an attack following a Commons vote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "launch an attack" with descriptive adjectives or adverbs. For example, "They launched a surprise attack" or "The hackers launched a coordinated attack".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "launch an attack" in similar contexts; instead, diversify your language with synonyms such as "begin an assault" or "commence an offensive" to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch an attack" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an aggressive action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase is used to describe both literal and figurative attacks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch an attack" is a versatile and commonly used phrase indicating the start of an aggressive action, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. While grammatically straightforward, it is essential to provide context and diversify vocabulary to maintain writing engagement. By using alternatives such as "begin an assault" or "commence an offensive", writers can avoid repetition and maintain precision. Ludwig provides numerous examples that demonstrate the phrase's broad applicability and contextual nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin an assault

Highlights the aggressive nature of the action, focusing on a forceful attempt.

strike against

More direct and forceful, implying a quick and targeted aggressive action.

commence an offensive

Emphasizes the beginning of a military or strategic operation, similar to "launch an attack".

mount an offensive

Similar to "commence an offensive" but suggests a more planned and organized initiation of action.

go on the offensive

Focuses on shifting from defense to attack, implying a change in strategy.

initiate hostilities

Replaces "launch an attack" with a more formal and general term for starting a conflict.

undertake aggression

A more formal way to describe starting an aggressive action, suitable for diplomatic contexts.

make an incursion

Suggests a brief and often exploratory attack into enemy territory.

trigger a raid

Implies initiating a sudden and quick attack, often for a specific purpose.

open fire

Refers specifically to beginning to shoot or use ranged weapons in combat.

FAQs

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

You can use "launch an attack" to describe the initiation of a hostile action. For example: "The rebels planned to launch an attack on the capital city" or "The virus is designed to launch an attack on the computer's operating system".

What are some alternatives to "launch an attack"?

Alternatives include "initiate hostilities", "commence an offensive", or "begin an assault", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "launched on attack" instead of "launch an attack"?

No, "launched on attack" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "launch an attack", using the article "an" to precede the noun "attack".

What's the difference between "launch an attack" and "wage war"?

"Launch an attack" refers to a specific instance of aggression, whereas "wage war" implies a sustained period of conflict. You might "launch an attack" as part of "waging war".