onslaught of

USAGE SUMMARY

"onslaught of" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to describe a large, overwhelming, concentrated attack or major influx of something. For example, "The town was unprepared for the onslaught of tourists over the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Prepare for an onslaught of hindsight wisdom.

The Guardian - Sport

IV features an onslaught of serrated riffing.

The Guardian - Music

The company is also facing an onslaught of regulatory scrutiny.

The New York Times

We braced for an onslaught of attack and innuendo.

Independent

Hewlett can't escape the onslaught of bad news.

The New York Times

Politicians still fear an onslaught of Ektorp sofas.

The Economist

Why this onslaught of the almost-living dead in museums?

The New York Times - Arts

Amid an onslaught of criticism, CUNY reversed the decision.

The New York Times

That did not shield them from the onslaught of development.

The New York Times

Now they face an onslaught of invaders from cyberspace.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Duke often buried its opponents in an onslaught of points.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "onslaught of" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by a large quantity or force. Choose this phrase when you want to emphasize the intensity and impact of something.

Common error

Avoid using "onslaught of" when a milder term like "series of" or "number of" would be more appropriate. "Onslaught of" carries a strong connotation of being overwhelmed, so reserve it for situations where that feeling is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

Onslaught of functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun. It signifies an overwhelming or intense burst or attack of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples include "onslaught of criticism" or "onslaught of information".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onslaught of" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe an overwhelming and intense burst or attack. It's versatile, appearing in news, science, and even business contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig AI. While it maintains a neutral tone, it effectively conveys a sense of being inundated. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey – whether it's a rapid barrage, a chaotic flurry, or an overwhelming deluge. Be mindful to reserve "onslaught of" for situations that genuinely warrant its strong connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage of

Emphasizes a rapid and continuous outpouring, often of criticism or questions.

flurry of

Suggests a sudden and chaotic burst of activity or occurrences.

deluge of

Implies an overwhelming flood or inundation, often of information or requests.

torrent of

Similar to deluge, but can also refer to a forceful emotional expression.

wave of

Indicates a gradual but powerful increase or spread, like a rising tide.

hail of

Suggests a forceful and rapid succession, often of projectiles or accusations.

attack of

Focuses on the aggressive and combative nature of the event or situation.

outbreak of

Implies a sudden and often unwelcome occurrence, like a disease or conflict.

influx of

Highlights a sudden and significant arrival or increase in quantity.

succession of

Emphasizes the sequential nature of events happening one after another in quick time.

FAQs

How can I use "onslaught of" in a sentence?

You can use "onslaught of" to describe an overwhelming attack, a large influx, or a sudden burst of something. For example: "The company faced an "onslaught of" criticism after the product launch" or "The town prepared for the "onslaught of" tourists during the summer festival".

What are some alternatives to "onslaught of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "barrage of", "flurry of", or "deluge of" to express a similar idea of overwhelming quantity or force.

Is "onslaught of" a formal or informal expression?

"Onslaught of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it leans towards a more dramatic or emphatic tone. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, and even casual conversations where a strong impact is desired.

What is the difference between "onslaught of" and "attack of"?

While both phrases imply a negative or aggressive action, "onslaught of" suggests an overwhelming quantity or intensity, whereas "attack of" specifically refers to an aggressive assault or onset of something, like "attack of nerves".