severe onslaught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe onslaught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense attack, whether physical, verbal, or metaphorical. Example: "The city faced a severe onslaught of criticism after the controversial decision was made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And the member facing the most severe onslaught is not a small Mediterranean country but Germany, the euro area's muscleman.The economic impact of an ageing population is initially positive but ultimately negative.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For a month of continuous shelling, residents felt abandoned by a world which left them without food or water and at the mercy of an unexpectedly severe military onslaught.

Huffington Post

The onslaught was so severe that Trump felt compelled to defend himself as "like, very smart" and a "very stable genius" in a series of tweets.

Vice

The onslaught is common, and hard to refute.

The Economist

While Giga analyst Adrian acknowledges that Pervasive's e-business competition is severe, he notes that the company has weathered competitive onslaughts in the past and is uniquely positioned to emerge as a leader.

Forbes

Many of those who survived (monks and common people) this onslaught by the Chinese fled to India, under severe winter weather conditions, across the Himalayas.

Wikipedia

It does so when lots of people are suddenly hurt, as they were in the early 1980's, when an onslaught of high-quality foreign imports coincided with a severe recession.

The New York Times

The Onslaught - Lazarus A.D. Enter the Grave - Evile.

WikiHow

The casualties' graphic accounts of a fierce onslaught on the no-fire zone, supported by the evidence of their severe wounds, have been reported by doctors who have treated them at a field hospital at Pulmoddai, inside the military area, where thousands of evacuees have been taken by ship.

The Guardian

The onslaught will continue.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the onslaught worked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe onslaught", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being attacked and the intensity of the attack. This phrase is best used when describing situations that are both serious and overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "severe onslaught" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. This phrase should be reserved for situations that genuinely involve a significant and intense attack or challenge. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe onslaught" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "onslaught". It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing an intense and forceful attack or assault. Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability in describing such scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe onslaught" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe an intense and overwhelming attack. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys the force and impact involved. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations that genuinely involve a significant and serious assault to avoid hyperbole. Alternatives such as "intense barrage" or "fierce assault" can be used depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense barrage

Focuses on the concentrated and overwhelming nature of the attack.

fierce assault

Emphasizes the aggressive and forceful nature of the attack.

brutal offensive

Highlights the ruthlessness and intensity of the attack.

relentless attack

Stresses the continuous and unyielding nature of the attack.

powerful surge

Conveys the force and suddenness of the overwhelming event.

devastating impact

Focuses on the destructive results of the event.

vigorous campaign

Describes a strong and active effort, often in a competitive context.

major offensive

Implies a large-scale and strategically planned attack.

acute episode

Highlights the sudden and severe nature of an event or occurrence.

harsh treatment

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe onslaught" to describe an intense and overwhelming attack, such as "The company faced a "severe onslaught" of criticism after the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "severe onslaught"?

Alternatives to "severe onslaught" include "intense barrage", "fierce assault", or "brutal offensive", depending on the specific context.

Is "severe onslaught" a formal or informal phrase?

"Severe onslaught" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, and professional reports.

What is the difference between "severe onslaught" and "mild criticism"?

"Severe onslaught" implies a powerful and overwhelming attack, while "mild criticism" suggests gentle or light disapproval. The choice depends on the actual intensity of the situation you are describing.