such an attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such an attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific type of attack that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "The consequences of such an attack could be devastating for the entire region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Such an attack should not have occurred.

The New York Times

I asked Robinson how he could defend such an attack.

The New Yorker

She said there is often confusion after such an attack.

The New York Times

How vulnerable would the plant be to such an attack?

The New Yorker

When do you think we will witness such an attack?

The New York Times

Such an attack should therefore be ruled out.

The New York Times

Mr. Hussein did not launch such an attack.

The New York Times

Although localized, such an attack could have profound consequences.

The New Yorker

The consequences of such an attack are unimaginable.

The New York Times

Such an attack could kill 500,000 people.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such an attack could affect not only business production and finances, but also human safety.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "similar attack" or "comparable assault" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "such an attack" without explicitly defining or previously mentioning the type of attack you're referring to. Overusing "such" without proper context can make your writing vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such an attack" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun phrase. The determiner "such" modifies the noun "attack", indicating a specific kind of attack that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "such an attack" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to reference a specific type of aggressive action that has been previously mentioned or is contextually understood. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is accurate and usable in various writing styles. It appears most commonly in news and media, followed by science-related contexts. When employing "such an attack", ensure clarity by establishing the type of attack to avoid ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "similar assault" or "this kind of aggression" to diversify your writing while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar assault

Replaces "such" with "similar", focusing on the likeness to a previously mentioned attack.

this kind of aggression

Uses "this kind of" instead of "such an", emphasizing the specific type of aggressive action.

that sort of offensive

Employs "that sort of" to refer to a particular type of offensive action.

a comparable offensive

Substitutes "such" with "comparable", highlighting the similarity between two offensive actions.

an equivalent incursion

Replaces "attack" with "incursion", indicating a more subtle or stealthy form of attack.

a parallel strike

Uses "parallel strike" to suggest a simultaneous or similar attack.

this particular violation

Emphasizes the specificity of the attack by using "this particular violation".

a related transgression

Indicates a connection to other similar events using "related transgression".

that specific encroachment

Highlights the defined nature of the attack using "that specific encroachment".

a like violation

Replaces "such" with "like", directly comparing one violation to another.

FAQs

How can I use "such an attack" in a sentence?

Use "such an attack" to refer back to a specific kind of attack that has already been mentioned or is implied within the context. For example, "The city had never experienced a cyber attack of this magnitude. The consequences of "such an attack" were catastrophic."

What are some alternatives to "such an attack"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a similar assault", "this kind of aggression", or "that sort of offensive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "so an attack" instead of "such an attack"?

No, "so an attack" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "such an attack", where "such" functions as a determiner modifying "attack".

What's the difference between "such an attack" and "a similar attack"?

"Such an attack" refers back to a previously mentioned or understood type of attack. "A similar attack" simply indicates that the attack being discussed shares characteristics with another attack, without necessarily being the same type.