salvo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "salvo" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a simultaneous discharge of artillery or a sudden outburst, often in a figurative sense, such as a verbal attack or a series of remarks. Example: "The politician launched a salvo of criticisms against his opponent during the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.24am BST11 24 Israeli Radio says there was a salvo of rockets in the last hour, Harriet Sherwood reports from Tel Aviv.

The Guardian

In reality Sunday night's fixture is the opening salvo in England's bid for the 2018 World Cup and perhaps the most nakedly political friendly the Football Association has ever agreed to play.

The Guardian - Sport

The Lions never lifted after their initial salvo, however off-season recruits Allen Christensen, Mitch Robinson and Beams impressed for the outclassed visitors.

The Guardian - Sport

Combined with the Fallon salvo, all this suggests confusion in the Tory tribe.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new mortgage, offered by the Co-operative Bank, is the latest salvo in a battle for business that has sent mortgage rates tumbling.

The Guardian - Money

The opening salvo from Adrian Chiles as he announced ITV's World Cup coverage was to challenge his former BBC Sport colleagues to a five-a-side match.

The Guardian - Sport

A new salvo of rockets was launched at Israel from Gaza.

The Guardian

As the New York Times writes of the study:The 182-page report was an opening salvo in a contentious debate over immigration that President Obama has pledged to lead this year.

The Economist

A girl's been turned into a woman, A woman turned into a corpseSalvo after salvo rattled from the Solzhenitsyn typewriter, always interleaved with carbon copies for fear that the secret police would seize the manuscript.

The Economist

But the scope for regulatory discretion laid out in the small print of the bill worries critics, who see it as another salvo in Mr Correa's war against the media.Mr Correa has already alerted Hoy, a Quito-based newspaper, that he will sue it over a headline saying that he had called gay marriage a "novelty".

The Economist

In its latest salvo, the Fed said it would purchase $267 billion of long-term bonds by the end of the year, paid for from the proceeds of sales of short-term bonds in its portfolio.The move extends a programme, nicknamed Operation Twist, announced last autumn and due to expire this month, under which the Fed has swapped $400 billion of short-term bonds for long-term ones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "salvo" to describe a concentrated or simultaneous release, whether it's literal fire from artillery or a figurative burst of words or actions. It often carries a connotation of force or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "salvo" solely in literal military contexts. Its strength lies in its figurative application to describe verbal or strategic attacks, lending a sense of intensity and coordinated effort.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "salvo" is a noun, referring to a simultaneous discharge of artillery or a figurative burst. As Ludwig indicates, it's usable in written English. Examples show it describing rocket launches or strategic initiatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "salvo" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, often employed in news and media, sports reporting, and business writing. According to Ludwig, the term is correct and usable in written English. It describes a simultaneous discharge or a sudden, forceful outburst, whether literal or figurative. When writing, remember that while "volley", "fusillade", and "barrage" can serve as alternatives, "salvo"'s unique strength lies in its implication of a concerted and impactful action. Therefore, leverage the figurative potential of the term in your writing, especially when describing coordinated strategies or forceful statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

volley

Refers to a simultaneous or successive discharge of missiles or bullets, or a similar burst of remarks.

fusillade

Implies a rapid series of shots fired simultaneously or in quick succession.

barrage

Suggests a concentrated outpouring of something, like artillery fire or questions.

onslaught

Conveys a fierce or destructive attack or assault.

attack

A general term for initiating hostile action.

assault

Emphasizes a violent or sudden attack.

outburst

Describes a sudden release of emotion or speech.

flurry

Suggests a brief period of excited activity or commotion.

broadside

Refers to a strong verbal attack.

spate

Indicates a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession.

FAQs

How is "salvo" typically used in a sentence?

The word "salvo" usually describes a simultaneous discharge of artillery or a burst of remarks. For example: "The company launched a pricing salvo against its competitors".

What phrases can I use instead of "salvo"?

You can use alternatives like "volley", "fusillade", or "barrage" depending on the context.

Is "salvo" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "salvo" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news and analytical contexts, where it can describe a strategic move or a concentrated effort. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as alternatives might be more suitable depending on the context.

What is the difference between "salvo" and "volley"?

"Salvo" implies a more simultaneous or coordinated discharge, especially of artillery or remarks, while "volley" can refer to a series of individual shots or returns. Although they are closely related and often interchangeable, "salvo" often carries a greater sense of concerted force.