launch an offensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launch an offensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a military context to describe the initiation of an attack or aggressive action against an enemy or target. Example: "The general decided to launch an offensive to reclaim the territory lost in the previous battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

But even board game players need to know how to launch an offensive at some stage.

The Guardian - Sport

That claim led the military to launch an offensive against the rebel stronghold.

The New York Times

The Lions were too busy counting their casualties to launch an offensive.

The Guardian - Sport

The Americans have been pushing General Kayani to launch an offensive against the Haqqanis' base in North Waziristan.

The New York Times

The Northern Alliance's interior minister, Yunos Qanoni, said the alliance would also launch an offensive toward Kabul, the capital, soon.

The New York Times

Al-Nusra provided over 3,000 fighters for the operation which has put the rebels in a position to launch an offensive against Latakia on the coastal strip.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Taliban immediately launched an offensive.

The New Yorker

The ultimatum came hours after Macedonian forces launched an offensive.

The New York Times

Isis has never launched an offensive this expansive in Iraq.

The Guardian

Talabani launched an offensive against Saddam's forces, but it also failed.

The New Yorker

He soon launched an offensive in New Guinea that drove the Japanese out of Papua by January 1943.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While "launch an offensive" is common, more formal alternatives like "commence hostilities" might be appropriate for certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid attributing an offensive to a reactive measure. "Launching an offensive" implies an initiation of action, not a response to one. Instead, clearly state who initiated the offensive, and who is responding.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "launch an offensive" is as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause, describing the action of initiating an attack. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, all relating to starting an aggressive action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch an offensive" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the initiation of an attack or aggressive action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the initiator and target of the offensive, and consider the tone of your writing to determine if a more formal alternative might be appropriate. Remember, "launching an offensive" implies initiating an action, not reacting to one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate an attack

Focuses on the beginning of an attack, similar to launching but with a slightly broader application.

begin an assault

Emphasizes the forceful and aggressive nature of the action.

mount an offensive

Implies preparation and organization before the attack, adding a layer of planning.

start a campaign

Suggests a more prolonged and strategic series of attacks, rather than a single event.

commence hostilities

A formal and often diplomatic way to describe the start of conflict.

undertake military action

A general term indicating military engagement, less specific than launching an offensive.

go on the attack

A more colloquial way of describing the act of attacking, less formal than "launch an offensive".

take the initiative

Highlights the act of being the first to act aggressively, often in a strategic context.

begin operations

Refers to the commencement of military operations, which may or may not be offensive in nature.

open fire

Focuses on the act of starting to shoot, a specific action within a broader offensive.

FAQs

What does it mean to "launch an offensive"?

To "launch an offensive" means to initiate an attack or aggressive action, typically in a military or strategic context. It implies taking the first step in a conflict or competition.

What can I say instead of "launch an offensive"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate an attack", "begin an assault", or "mount an offensive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "launch an offensive" formal or informal?

"Launch an offensive" is considered neutral in tone, suitable for news reporting and general writing. More formal options like "commence hostilities" might be preferred in diplomatic or highly formal settings.

How do you use "launch an offensive" in a sentence?

Example: "The general decided to "launch an offensive" to reclaim the lost territory." Ensure the context clearly defines who is initiating the offensive and against whom.