surge of attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surge of attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden increase in the number or intensity of attacks, often in a military, cyber, or metaphorical context. Example: "The city experienced a surge of attacks from rival gangs, prompting the police to increase their presence in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A general election was held in Iraq, after a recent surge of attacks by Sunni jihadists on government targets and polling stations.

The Economist

Joint operations were halted two weeks ago after a surge of attacks on the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) by its Afghan allies.

The Guardian

The raids followed a surge of attacks by rebels of the Marxist New People's Army elsewhere in the country, where they killed 18 troopers.

The New York Times

The division was set to leave the country in June, but was kept on because of the surge of attacks against occupation troops.

The New York Times

The blasts continue a months-long surge of attacks, which are reviving fears of a return to the widespread sectarian bloodshed that pushed the country to the brink of civil war after the 2003 US-led invasion.

Independent

The bombings were the latest in a surge of attacks in Iraq this summer — before, during and after Ramadan — that have brought monthly death tolls to levels not seen in nearly five years, according to United Nations figures.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A number of new super PACs, many of them spending millions of dollars to upend House races, made their first financial disclosures to the F.E.C. on Monday, revealing — in some cases for the first time — the interests financing a late surge of attack ads.

The New York Times

Perhaps that stunning, unrepeatable semi-final victory has also raised the vague prospect of another Maracanaço on Sunday evening – this one Euro-flavoured: a Maracan-alemaço perhaps – as like Brazil in 1950 Germany have come scooting through at the last on a surge of attacking success.

The Guardian - Sport

During this time, Iran becomes a common attacker for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and a surge of international attacks by Saudi citizens begins: Saudis participate in attacks in Egypt, Jordan, the Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania, Pakistan, Uruguay, Albania, and Cambodia.

Security Informatics

On the surge of "insider attacks" against Westerners that took place in 2012: "The losses became to this particular means of attack became very troubling, very significant, and tragic.

The New York Times

A spokesman said: "The Lithuanian community is very concerned [by] the surge of hate attacks after the referendum".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surge of attacks", consider the specific type of attacks you're describing to add clarity. For instance, "a surge of cyber attacks" or "a surge of terrorist attacks" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid using "surge of attacks" in contexts where the increase is minimal or unsubstantiated. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surge of attacks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes an event, specifically an increase in the frequency or intensity of attacks. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surge of attacks" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sudden increase in the number or intensity of attacks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and notes its frequent appearance in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to be precise about the nature of the attacks being described and to avoid overuse in sensationalized contexts. Alternatives such as "increase in assaults", "wave of offensives", and "spike in aggression" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase in assaults

Focuses on the rise in the number of assaults, emphasizing the escalation.

wave of offensives

Implies a series of coordinated attacks, suggesting a planned military action.

spike in aggression

Highlights the sudden increase in aggressive behavior or actions.

upsurge in violence

Emphasizes the rise in violent incidents or acts.

escalation of hostilities

Focuses on the increasing intensity of hostile actions or conflicts.

ramped-up aggression

Highlights that violence and attacks were gradually increased.

heightened attacks

Indicates an increase in the intensity or frequency of attacks.

intensified offensives

Stresses the greater force or scale of offensive actions.

rising number of attacks

A more straightforward way to express the increase in attacks.

growing frequency of assaults

Highlights how many attacks were carried out in given period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "surge of attacks" in a sentence?

You can use "surge of attacks" to describe a sudden increase in the number or intensity of attacks. For example, "The city experienced a "surge of attacks" from rival gangs".

What are some alternatives to "surge of attacks"?

Alternatives include "increase in assaults", "wave of offensives", or "spike in aggression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a surge in attacks" instead of "surge of attacks"?

While both are grammatically correct, "surge of attacks" is more common when referring to a concentrated period of multiple attacks. "A surge in attacks" is generally correct and acceptable, but less idiomatic.

What distinguishes "surge of attacks" from "escalation of hostilities"?

"Surge of attacks" emphasizes a sudden increase in the number of attacks. "Escalation of hostilities", on the other hand, focuses on the increasing intensity and severity of the conflict, which may or may not involve a surge in the number of individual attacks.