starts an attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts an attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to initiating a confrontation, conflict, or aggressive action, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The hacker starts an attack on the network, attempting to breach the security systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tell the world "The military option is off the table", except in the unlikely event that Iran itself starts an attack on Israel or the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now imagine that a node in the network labeled E starts an attack against, let us say, host A. This may be due to a malicious user or to a virus that took control of a host in the network and starts a denial of service (DoS) or a brute force attack.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

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

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

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

— 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 events in a narrative, using "starts an attack" can effectively convey the initiation of conflict, aggression, or a planned offensive. Ensure the context clearly defines who or what is initiating the attack and the target.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is initiating the attack. Instead of "an attack was started", use "the army starts an attack" to make the actor clear and the sentence more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts an attack" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of hostile action. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. It highlights the commencement of a conflict or aggressive action, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts an attack" is a grammatically sound and generally acceptable way to describe the initiation of an aggressive action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively uncommon in overall frequency, it appears most often in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it is crucial to maintain clarity regarding the actor initiating the attack and the target. Consider alternatives like "launches a strike" or "commences an assault" for more formal or forceful connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiates an offensive

Focuses on the strategic and planned aspect of the attack.

launches a strike

Emphasizes a sudden and forceful action.

commences an assault

Highlights a military or forceful beginning.

undertakes an aggression

Implies a deliberate act of hostility.

opens fire

Specifically refers to beginning a shooting attack.

triggers a raid

Suggests initiating a surprise attack.

sets in motion a siege

Describes the beginning of a prolonged attack.

unleashes an onslaught

Conveys a sense of overwhelming force at the start.

invokes hostilities

More formal, refers to initiating a state of conflict.

instigates aggression

Suggests causing the start of an attack through incitement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "starts an attack" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "commences an assault", "initiates an offensive", or "launches a strike". These options offer a more strategic or forceful connotation.

What are some less formal alternatives to "starts an attack"?

Informal alternatives include phrases like "opens fire", "triggers a raid", or even simply "attacks". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "starts an attack"?

"Starts an attack" is appropriate in various contexts, including military actions, sports competitions, and even in describing cyber security events. The phrase is suitable whenever describing the initiation of aggressive action.

How does "starts an attack" differ from "launches an attack"?

"Starts an attack" is a more general term for beginning an aggressive action. "Launches an attack" often implies a more forceful, decisive, and well-prepared beginning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.