started an attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started an attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing military actions, cyber security incidents, or any situation where an aggressive action is initiated. Example: "The hacker started an attack on the company's servers, aiming to steal sensitive data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There was no hurry to play 14... Nh7?! Shulman's 16 f4! started an attack hard to defend against.

The New York Times

One-handed offload for the first try was excellent; his turnover started an attack that led to Giteau's trip to the bin and a key three points.

Independent

Sentries from the 1st Light Horse Regiment opened fire on a group of Turks moving down the valley; this group, several hundred strong, started an attack on Pope's.

Wikipedia

While G Company held its positions on Hill 179 on September 2 against North Korean attack, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry started an attack northwest toward it at 17:00 from the Chung-ni area.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Sadorra seized the opportunity to start an attack with 21 f5.

The New York Times

It did not take long for Kotainy to take advantage and start an attack.

The New York Times

You could look up, start an attack, pass it around, whereas in England someone is on you all the time".

The Guardian - Sport

— DUNCAN IRVING Gomez hangs on to the last defender to start an attack, and gets walloped in the face from Heitenga, who looks like he's had enough.

The New York Times

Nakamura may have grown frustrated by White's patience, which may explain why he played 14... g5, an attempt to start an attack and create an unbalanced position.

The New York Times

"I don't think it's Al Qaeda," said Patricia Muñoz, 24, who stood outside the clothing store where she works, smoking a cigarette, before starting an attack on ETA.

The New York Times

Cassetti hoofed the ball clear with no real intention of starting an attack, more to just get the thing as far away from the Watford goal as possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, provide context around who "started an attack", the target, and the motive to add clarity and depth.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when it's crucial to emphasize who initiated the aggression. Instead of "An attack was started", use the active voice: "[Name] started an attack" to clarify responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started an attack" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of hostile action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It generally describes the initiation of a military or strategic maneuver as seen in examples from The New York Times and Wikipedia.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started an attack" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the beginning of an aggressive action. It finds its place mostly in news reports and factual accounts as explained by Ludwig AI. While the phrase is simple and direct, the specific context determines the most appropriate synonym. It's important to use this phrase in active voice to maintain clarity and emphasize the initiator. Alternative options include phrases as "launched an offensive" or "initiated an assault", which may convey a different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated an assault

Replaces 'started' with 'initiated' and 'attack' with 'assault', both conveying a more formal and aggressive commencement.

launched an offensive

Substitutes 'started' with 'launched' and 'attack' with 'offensive', implying a planned and forceful initiation.

commenced hostilities

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression indicating the beginning of conflict.

began an incursion

Substitutes 'started' with 'began' and 'attack' with 'incursion', implying a sudden and forceful entry into enemy territory.

undertook an aggression

Replaces 'started' with 'undertook' and 'attack' with 'aggression', suggesting a deliberate act of hostility.

triggered an onslaught

Replaces 'started' with 'triggered' and 'attack' with 'onslaught', conveying a sudden and overwhelming commencement.

instigated a raid

Substitutes 'started' with 'instigated' and 'attack' with 'raid', implying a swift and surprise commencement.

set in motion an offensive

Replaces 'started' with 'set in motion' and 'attack' with 'offensive', indicating a deliberate and planned beginning of aggressive actions.

sparked an assault

Substitutes 'started' with 'sparked' and 'attack' with 'assault', conveying a sudden and intense commencement.

unleashed a strike

Replaces 'started' with 'unleashed' and 'attack' with 'strike', implying a forceful and unrestrained commencement.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "started an attack"?

You can use alternatives like "launched an offensive", "initiated an assault", or "commenced hostilities" depending on the context.

How to use "started an attack" in a sentence?

Use "started an attack" to indicate the beginning of hostile or aggressive actions. For example: "The enemy forces started an attack on the city".

Which is correct, "started an attack" or "began an attack"?

Both "started an attack" and "began an attack" are correct and interchangeable. The choice depends on your preferred style and the context.

What's the difference between "started an attack" and "launched an attack"?

"Started an attack" is a general term for initiating aggression. "Launched an attack" implies a more planned and forceful initiation. Therefore, the difference depends on how accurately it depicts the beginning of the attack.