under attack from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under attack from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a subject experiencing some form of attack. For example, "Our country is under attack from an outside force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it is under attack from speculators.

The Economist

AMERICA'S spooks are under attack from all sides.

The Economist

Dodd-Frank is under attack from multiple directions.

The New York Times

The judiciary is under attack from all sides.

The Economist

That means they are constantly under attack from poachers.

Independent

This is a sport under attack from above and below.

The Guardian - Sport

The village was under attack from a feared militia.

The Guardian

Mr. Faneuil's character has come under attack from the start.

The New York Times

Why are Airbnb under attack from the authorities?

The Guardian - Travel

The unit came under attack from Iraqi snipers.

The Guardian

The move comes under attack from his own party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “under attack from” when something is currently experiencing some form of aggression, either physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "under attack from" without specifying the source of the attack. This can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your statement. Be specific and name the entity or force responsible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under attack from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the source of an attack. It highlights the agent causing the harm or threat, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under attack from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe situations where something or someone is experiencing aggression or threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its primary function is to clearly identify the source of the attack, providing essential context to the situation. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, always specify the attacker and consider alternatives like "being targeted by" or "facing aggression from" to vary your language. Remember, using precise and informative language strengthens your writing and avoids ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being targeted by

Focuses on the act of targeting, implying a deliberate selection of the subject.

facing aggression from

Highlights the aggressive nature of the opposing force or entity.

subject to assault by

Emphasizes a physical or forceful attack.

threatened by

Indicates a state of potential harm or danger.

endangered by

Suggests a risk of extinction or severe harm.

beset by

Implies being persistently troubled or harassed.

confronted by

Highlights a direct and often challenging encounter.

challenged by

Indicates a situation where something is being questioned or opposed.

opposed by

Suggests resistance or antagonism from a specific source.

contested by

Implies a dispute or struggle over something.

FAQs

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

Use "under attack from" to describe a situation where a person, place, or thing is being actively assailed or threatened. For instance, "The city was "under attack from" enemy forces" or "The company is "under attack from" competitors' marketing campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "under attack from"?

You can use alternatives like "being targeted by", "facing aggression from", or "threatened by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under attack from" in formal writing?

Yes, "under attack from" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, academic papers, and professional documents. However, ensure the context is appropriate and the language is precise.

What's the difference between ""under attack from"" and "under fire from"?

"Under attack from" generally implies a broader range of assaults, both physical and metaphorical, while "under fire from" often suggests intense criticism or direct, targeted attacks, frequently in a verbal or argumentative context.