try to strike back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to strike back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is attempting to retaliate or respond to an attack or challenge. Example: "After being criticized, she decided to try to strike back with a well-reasoned argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

8.26pm BST 39 min: Real try to strike back immediately.

The Guardian - Sport

I expect that we will launch bombing raids or commando attacks as we try to strike back at those who hurt us so deeply.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ailes was trying to strike back at Brown for publicly "putting us down," he says.

The New Yorker

Commercial terrestrial radio tried to strike back with HD radio, but it was too little, too late.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What a relief The alliance tries to strike back A mysterious death A government assailed Is it a waning influence?

The Economist

"They're just trying to strike back in whatever way they can at the legislature," he said.

The New York Times

Heavy fighting continued Monday around Damascus as Assad's forces tried to strike back against rebels who have gained control of some of the suburbs around the capital.

The Washington Post

So cities tried to strike back: Manhattan's hulking Equitable Building, which blocks street-level sunlight practically all day, helped provoke New York's 1916 zoning resolution that required significant setbacks for tall buildings.

The New York Times

When the Board of Trustees did the right thing Wednesday night — and really, firing Paterno and Graham B. Spanier, the university president, was the only thing it could do — the Paterno cult of personality tried to strike back.

The New York Times

The president tried to strike back on Thursday with a letter deriding a planned visit by Pelosi and other Democrats to Afghanistan as a "public relations event" and saying it would be better if she remained in Washington to negotiate reopening the government.

The Guardian

Either way, Mr. Raimondo's withdrawal represented an early tactical victory by the Kerry campaign, which moved aggressively to undercut Mr. Bush in a week when he was trying to strike back at Mr. Kerry on an issue -- the shifting of American jobs overseas, or "outsourcing" -- that has become a major political problem for the White House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to strike back" when you want to convey an attempt to retaliate or respond after being attacked or challenged. Ensure the context supports the idea of a direct response to an action.

Common error

Avoid using "try to strike back" in situations where a simple response or defense is more appropriate. This phrase is best suited for scenarios involving direct conflict or aggression, not general disagreements or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to strike back" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to retaliate or respond forcefully to an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, though primarily in news and media. The examples show its application in scenarios ranging from sports to political conflicts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to strike back" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies an attempt to retaliate or respond forcefully to an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary depending on the context. To ensure precise usage, avoid using this phrase in situations where a simple response or defense is more appropriate. Instead, consider alternatives such as "attempt to retaliate" or "fight back", which may be more fitting for certain situations. The phrase is useful for conveying resistance or defense against an aggressor. Finally, its importance to be aware that by using "try to strike back" the success of the retaliatory action is not implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fight back

A more general term for resisting an attack.

hit back

A more colloquial way of expressing retaliation.

retaliate

A direct and simple synonym for striking back.

attempt to retaliate

Formal alternative focusing on the act of retaliation.

counterattack

Suggests an immediate and forceful response.

seek revenge

Emphasizes the vengeful aspect of responding to an attack.

respond in kind

Implies a mirrored reaction to the initial action.

mount a defense

Focuses on protecting oneself while responding.

take retaliatory action

A more formal and legalistic way of describing striking back.

get even

An informal phrase indicating a desire for retribution.

FAQs

How can I use "try to strike back" in a sentence?

You can use "try to strike back" to describe an attempt to retaliate after an attack or challenge. For example: "After being criticized, she decided to "try to strike back" with a well-reasoned argument."

What are some alternatives to "try to strike back"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to retaliate", "fight back", or "counterattack" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "try to strike back" in formal writing?

While "try to strike back" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "attempt to retaliate" or "take retaliatory action" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "try to strike back" and "fight back"?

"Try to strike back" specifically implies an attempt to retaliate, suggesting the action may or may not be successful. "Fight back" is more general and suggests resistance or defense, without necessarily implying an initial attack.