under attack with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under attack with" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is being assaulted or criticized, but the preposition "with" is not appropriate in this context. Example: "The city was under attack from enemy forces, leading to widespread panic among the residents."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Westerners started to come under attack with troubling frequency.

The New Yorker

Factories which protesters believed to be Chinese-owned have come under attack, with reports of deaths.

The Economist

Sunnis, by comparison, feel they are under attack, with no defenders.

The Guardian

But the program is under attack, with some Democrats as well as nearly all Republicans joining the assault.

The New York Times

Many people fear the nuclear site could one day come under attack, with possibly deadly consequences for those living in its vicinity.

The New York Times

The judiciary has been under attack, with Rajapaksa orchestrating the removal of the Supreme Court Chief Justice after she ruled against the government.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

After the operation, less than half a mile from the health clinic, my patrol came under attack, first with a roadside bomb and then with small-arms fire from militia hidden nearby.

The New York Times

Around the room were photographs of demonstrations and a rack of zines with titles like Profiles of Provocateurs and Under Attack, along with pamphlets of the United States Constitution ($2 each).

The New York Times

Police came under attack again with bricks, stones and fireworks in Denmark Street.

The Guardian

But now that the deficit scolds have killed fiscal policy, monetary policy is also under attack, and with even more vehemence.

The New York Times

At least two doctors were among the dead, he said, and he feared hospitals that had kept operating under attack and with dwindling supplies might now have been shut down permanently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "under attack by" or "under siege from" for improved clarity and adherence to standard English.

Common error

Avoid using "with" to specify the source of the attack; instead, use "by" to indicate the agent or force responsible for the attack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under attack with" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is currently experiencing an assault or onslaught. Ludwig AI indicates that standard English typically uses "under attack by" or similar constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under attack with" is frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It's more appropriate to use "under attack by" or "under siege from" for greater clarity and adherence to grammatical norms. While the phrase's meaning is generally understood, opting for more standard alternatives enhances the credibility and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under assault with

Replaces "attack" with "assault", implying a more aggressive form of offensive.

besieged with

Suggests a prolonged and intense period of being attacked or overwhelmed.

bombarded with

Implies being overwhelmed by a rapid and continuous stream of attacks or intrusions.

inundated with

Conveys a sense of being flooded or overwhelmed by a large quantity of attacks or intrusions.

subjected to an attack with

Replaces the concise term with a more extended construction using "subjected to", creating a more formal tone.

attacked by means of

Emphasizes the method or instrument used in the attack, providing a more descriptive alternative.

targeted with

Highlights the deliberate nature of the attack, focusing on the selection of a specific target.

facing aggression with

Shifts the focus to the experience of the victim and emphasizes the aggressive nature of the action.

confronted with hostility using

Emphasizes the confrontational nature of the situation and the hostile manner in which the attack is carried out.

met with aggression through

Focuses on the interaction between the attacker and the attacked, noting the use of aggression as the means of attacking.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "under attack" in a sentence?

The phrase "under attack" is typically followed by "by" to indicate the attacker, for example, "The city was "under attack by" enemy forces." You can also use "under siege from".

What prepositions can follow "under attack"?

While "under attack" is often followed by "by", other prepositions such as "from" or "in" can be used depending on the context. For example, "The system is "under attack from" hackers", or "The village was "under attack in" broad daylight".

What does it mean when something is described as "under attack"?

When something is "under attack", it means that it is being subjected to hostile or harmful actions, whether physical, verbal, or digital. This can refer to anything from a military assault to a barrage of criticism.

Is it ever correct to use "under attack with"?

Although some examples use "under attack with", it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It is best to use "by" or "from" instead. For example, it's better to say "The website was "under attack by" a DDoS attack".