under attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under attack" is commonly used in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: "The city was under attack, and the residents prepared for a long night of defending themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women are under attack.

The New York Times

We are under attack.

The New York Times

We were under attack.

The New York Times

Zliten is under attack.

The Economist

He's under attack.

The New York Times

Hispanics are under attack.

The New York Times

Was the city under attack?

The New York Times

They read, "We're Under Attack!

The New Yorker

She was so under attack.

The New York Times

"Civilisation itself" is under attack.

The Economist

"We're under attack!" he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under attack" to clearly and concisely convey that a person, place, or thing is currently being subjected to some form of aggression or threat. Be specific about what is being attacked and the nature of the attack for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "under attack" too casually or metaphorically, as it can dilute the impact of the phrase. Reserve it for situations where the threat or aggression is genuine and significant to maintain its gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under attack" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is currently experiencing or being subjected to some form of aggression or threat. Ludwig AI shows this is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under attack" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a state of being threatened or aggressed upon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the gravity it implies, avoiding overuse in purely metaphorical situations. Alternatives such as "being assaulted" or "under siege" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use "under attack" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and vulnerability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being targeted

Highlights the deliberate selection of someone or something for attack.

under siege

Implies being surrounded and persistently attacked, often in a metaphorical sense.

being assaulted

Focuses on the act of aggression, highlighting the victim's experience.

subjected to hostility

Stresses the experience of being on the receiving end of unfriendly actions.

facing aggression

Emphasizes the confrontation with hostility or force.

enduring an onslaught

Suggests a continuous and overwhelming attack.

coming under fire

Implies receiving criticism or hostility, often verbally.

in the line of fire

Indicates being in a position where one is likely to be harmed or criticized.

encountering resistance

Highlights the opposition one is facing, which could be active or passive.

experiencing opposition

Focuses on the act of confronting conflicting forces or views.

FAQs

How can I use "under attack" in a sentence?

Use "under attack" to describe something or someone currently experiencing aggression. For instance, "The city is under attack" or "The company's reputation is under attack".

What are some alternatives to using "under attack"?

You can use alternatives like "being assaulted", "under siege", or "coming under fire" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "under attacks" instead of "under attack"?

No, "under attacks" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "under attack" because "attack" functions as a noun adjunct in this context, describing the state of being targeted.

What's the difference between "under attack" and "facing aggression"?

"Under attack" implies an active and ongoing assault, while "facing aggression" suggests a confrontation with hostile forces or actions, which may not necessarily be a direct attack.