terrorist attacks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrorist attacks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to violent acts committed by individuals or groups with the intent to intimidate or coerce a population or government. Example: "The city was on high alert following the recent terrorist attacks that targeted public transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

from terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The New Yorker

They can stop terrorist attacks.

The New Yorker

There were no terrorist attacks.

The New York Times - Sports

"Insiders have facilitated terrorist attacks.

The New Yorker

They're stepping up their terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

He called them "suicide terrorist attacks".

Independent

TERRORIST attacks are meant to spread confusion.

The Economist

"Our function was to prevent terrorist attacks".

The New York Times

Then came the terrorist attacks of 2001.

The Economist

And terrorist attacks themselves?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about past instances of terrorist attacks, prioritize facts and figures over emotionally charged language to maintain objectivity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating or minimizing the effects of "terrorist attacks". Ensure your claims are supported by evidence and avoid sensationalizing the events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrorist attacks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to specific instances of violence intended to instill fear and achieve political or ideological goals, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrorist attacks" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe violent actions intended to create fear and achieve political goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news, science, and formal contexts. While the phrase is neutral in tone, it carries a significant weight due to the serious nature of the events it describes. When using this phrase, be specific about the context and avoid generalizations to maintain accuracy and objectivity. Alternatives like "acts of terrorism" or "violent extremism" can be used to provide different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acts of terrorism

Focuses on the nature of the actions rather than specific events.

terrorist incidents

A more neutral and general term for terrorist-related events.

bombings

Specifies a particular type of attack involving explosives.

extremist violence

Highlights the ideological motivation behind the violence.

militant assaults

Emphasizes the aggressive and combative nature of the attacks.

insurgent strikes

Suggests the attacks are part of a larger rebellion or uprising.

terror campaigns

Implies a sustained and coordinated series of attacks.

violent extremism

Highlights violence motivated by extreme beliefs or ideologies.

acts of war

Suggests a conflict between organized groups or nations.

security threats

A broader term that encompasses various dangers to safety and stability.

FAQs

How can I use "terrorist attacks" in a sentence?

You can use "terrorist attacks" to refer to violent actions intended to cause fear and disruption, such as "The city implemented stricter security measures following recent "terrorist attacks"".

What phrases are similar to "terrorist attacks"?

Alternatives include "acts of terrorism", "terrorist incidents", or "violent extremism", which offer different shades of meaning and emphasis.

Is there a difference between "terrorist attacks" and "acts of terrorism"?

"Terrorist attacks" refers to specific events, while "acts of terrorism" is a more general term for the phenomenon of using violence for political aims.

What is the correct way to refer to events caused by terrorism?

Both "terrorist attacks" and "acts of terrorism" are correct. The choice depends on whether you're referring to specific events or the broader concept.