second line of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second line of attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing alternative strategies or approaches to address a problem or challenge. Example: "If our initial strategy fails, we will implement our second line of attack to ensure we achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The second line of attack is to shift what the campaign is about.

The New York Times

The second line of attack, the unlevel playing field argument, appeals to self-interest.

Harvard Business Review

The second line of attack is to overhaul schemes that help workers retrain and encourage them to search for work.

The Economist

Its substitute Alexis Sanchez did what others failed to do by springing forward from the second line of attack to poke the ball past Iker Casillas.

The New York Times - Sports

If any of the researchers' six molecules prove successful, the resulting drug could provide a second line of attack to be used where current antivirals fail.

MIT Technology Review

George Osborne, who had always favoured focusing on Labour's failure to learn lessons, gave serious consideration to the second line of attack.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

For him, the first line of attack is acceptance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is our last line of defense and our first line of attack.

The Guardian

The first line of attack will be that they are impracticable.

The Economist

Before chemotherapy, before radiation, the knife is frequently the oncologist's first line of attack.

The Economist

It's generally the first line of attack from the lawyers".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining strategic initiatives, always prepare a "second line of attack" to mitigate potential risks and ensure objectives are met, despite unforeseen challenges.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "second line of attack" is less crucial than the primary approach; it should be equally well-developed and capable of achieving the desired outcome if the initial strategy falters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second line of attack" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It describes an alternative or backup strategy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second line of attack" effectively communicates the concept of a planned alternative or backup strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across different domains, particularly in news, science, and business. When crafting strategies, consider preparing a well-thought-out "second line of attack" to enhance resilience and adaptability. Avoid underestimating its importance, and remember to consider using alternatives like "backup plan" or "contingency plan" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary strategy

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of having another plan in place.

alternative approach

Highlights a different method to achieve the same goal.

backup plan

Focuses on having a pre-prepared alternative if the initial plan fails.

fallback option

Highlights that this is a resource to turn to if the initial choice is unavailable or unsuccessful.

contingency plan

Stresses the readiness for unexpected events or failures of the first plan.

plan B

A simpler, more direct way to refer to an alternative plan.

follow-up strategy

Implies a subsequent action after an initial attempt.

subsequent measure

Implies actions that follow the initial ones and is generally used in a more formal setting.

reserve tactic

Suggests a hidden or less obvious strategy held in readiness.

auxiliary plan

Indicates a supportive plan to aid the primary one.

FAQs

How can I use "second line of attack" in a sentence?

You can use "second line of attack" to describe a backup strategy or alternative approach. For example, "If our initial marketing campaign fails, our "secondary strategy", our "second line of attack", will focus on direct customer engagement."

What is a good substitute for "second line of attack"?

Alternatives to "second line of attack" include "backup plan", "alternative approach", or "contingency plan". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to have one strong plan or a "second line of attack"?

While a strong primary plan is essential, a "second line of attack" is crucial for adaptability. It ensures you have options if the initial plan encounters obstacles or fails to achieve the desired results.

What's the difference between a "first line of attack" and a "second line of attack"?

The "first line of attack" is your primary strategy or initial approach to a problem, while the "second line of attack" is a "secondary strategy" implemented if the first one doesn't succeed.