raid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts referring to a sudden attack or incursion into a place, often to steal or cause damage. Example: "The police conducted a raid on the suspected drug house early in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

UK News

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to a story passed down for generations, a Dane was caught hiding in the cathedral after a raid and, as retribution for the destruction wrought by his countrymen, was flayed alive.

The Guardian - Travel

Fahmy was arrested in a raid on a makeshift office suite in Cairo's Marriott hotel along with Peter Greste, a veteran Australian reporter, freelance producer Baher Mohamed and cameraman Mohamed Fawzy, who has since been released.

The Guardian

Talak inherited her slave status from her parents, who were captured in a raid by Tuaregs against their village.

The Guardian

The network demands swift action from human rights organisations around the world in order for the Syrian government to be pressured into releasing Dr Omar and his family" Human rights activist Omar Arnous was arrested with his family in a dawn raid on his flat.

The Guardian

But expect it to be labelled in the rightwing press as a tax raid on the savings of the squeezed middle.

The Guardian - Money

Attempts to re-establish the executive, with the Rev Paisley and Mr Adams at the helm, foundered after the IRA was accused of carrying out an armed raid on a Belfast branch of Northern Bank and murdering Robert McCartney.

The Guardian

A group of victims of the Hatton Garden jewellery raid have been told that the chances of recovering their losses are "very limited".

The Guardian

She was paralysed below the waist when she was accidentally shot by police seeking her son, Michael, during an early morning raid on her home.

The Guardian

Police investigating the Hatton Garden jewellery raid have charged a ninth man with conspiracy to burgle.

The Guardian

How can this raid on the incomes of the poorest be tolerated when it claims to want to help low-income working families make work pay?

The Guardian - Opinion

Kent police would not say if any of the Fowlers were being questioned or where they recovered the 7.7-tonne white Renault Midlum lorry, which the robbers loaded with cash during last Wednesday's early morning raid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a military operation or a police action, use "raid" to convey a sense of swift, targeted action aimed at achieving a specific objective.

Common error

Avoid using "raid" to describe situations that don't involve an element of hostility or forceful intrusion. For example, do not use "raid" to describe simply visiting a place.

Linguistic Context

The word "raid" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it describes a sudden attack or incursion. As a verb, it describes the act of carrying out such an attack. Ludwig's examples show it used in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "raid" is versatile, serving as both a noun and a verb to describe a swift, targeted attack or incursion. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider using more precise terms in academic or scientific writing. When aiming for clarity and accuracy, remember that a "raid" implies a forceful and goal-oriented action. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context involves hostility or intrusion, and explore synonyms such as "attack" or "incursion" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attack

A more general term for an offensive action.

incursion

Emphasizes a brief or temporary invasion.

foray

Implies a brief and often exploratory attack or venture.

assault

Suggests a more forceful and direct attack.

bust

Informal term, often used in the context of police actions.

plunder

Focuses on the act of stealing or looting during an attack.

pillage

Similar to plunder, emphasizing the violent acquisition of goods.

maraud

Describes a roaming attack, often characterized by looting.

irruption

Highlights the sudden and forceful nature of the invasion.

storm

Suggests a forceful and overwhelming attack.

FAQs

How can I use the word "raid" in a sentence?

You can use "raid" in sentences like: "The police conducted a "raid" on the gambling den", or "The soldiers "raided" the village and burned it down".

What are some synonyms for "raid"?

Some synonyms for "raid" include "attack", "incursion", "foray", and "assault", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between a "raid" and an "invasion"?

While both "raid" and "invasion" involve entering a territory, a "raid" is typically a quick, targeted attack for a specific purpose, while an "invasion" is a larger-scale, sustained effort to occupy or control a territory.

Is it appropriate to use the word "raid" in a formal context?

Yes, "raid" can be used in formal contexts, especially when describing military or police operations. However, consider the specific connotation and choose a more neutral term like "attack" or "incursion" if a less aggressive tone is desired.