under the onslaught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the onslaught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is facing a strong attack or overwhelming force, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical. Example: "The town struggled to maintain order under the onslaught of the fierce storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wilts under the onslaught.

Independent

Consumer patience may be fraying under the onslaught.

The New York Times

And they ultimately receded under the onslaught of daily life.

The Guardian - Books

They will go dormant under the onslaught of summer heat.

The New York Times

Eventually, China crumbles under the onslaught of European modernity.

The Washington Post

It was to here that the beleaguered civilisation retreated under the onslaught of the conquistadors.

The Guardian - Books

Four days later, you're reeling under the onslaught of shock results and imploding certainties.

The Guardian - Sport

Up to this point, Merrill has represented himself as helpless under the onslaught of desire.

The New Yorker

"We cowered under the onslaught from West Indian fast bowlers, that's what we did.

The Guardian - Sport

Bobwhite quails scatter under the onslaught of a red-shouldered hawk.

The Guardian - Books

For that matter, I never knew the American Indian tribes that winked out under the onslaught of the conquerors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the onslaught" to vividly portray situations experiencing intense, overwhelming pressure or attack. This phrase is particularly effective in highlighting resilience or the struggle for survival against powerful forces. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of being besieged or bombarded.

Common error

Avoid using "under the onslaught" for minor inconveniences or mild challenges. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severity and should be reserved for truly overwhelming situations to maintain its impact and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the onslaught" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a state of being subjected to a forceful, overwhelming attack or pressure. Ludwig shows examples where entities "wilt", "recede", or "crumble" under such pressure. It's widely understood and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the onslaught" is a prepositional phrase that vividly describes experiencing intense, overwhelming pressure. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and academic contexts. While versatile, it's most effective when portraying genuinely severe situations. Alternatives like "amidst the barrage" or "in the face of the assault" offer nuanced substitutes, but "under the onslaught" remains a powerful way to emphasize vulnerability and the force of impact. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amidst the barrage

Focuses on the continuous and overwhelming nature of the attack, similar to "under the onslaught" but emphasizes the sheer volume.

in the face of the assault

Highlights a direct confrontation with an attack, stressing resilience and defiance.

subjected to the force

Emphasizes the imposition of an external power, differing slightly in implying a degree of control or manipulation.

overwhelmed by the attack

Highlights the feeling of being completely overcome, focusing on the emotional or psychological impact.

in the teeth of the storm

Metaphorically refers to facing a powerful and chaotic situation, implying turbulence and adversity.

besieged by

Implies being surrounded and under constant pressure, often used in military or metaphorical contexts.

confronted with

More neutral, simply indicating facing a challenge, lacking the intensity of "under the onslaught".

under siege

Similar to 'besieged by', this phrase suggest a prolonged period of intense pressure or attack.

in the midst of the turmoil

Focuses on chaos and confusion, suggesting a lack of direction or control in a difficult situation.

grappling with the impact

Implies an ongoing struggle to manage the consequences of a forceful event, different from passively being "under the onslaught".

FAQs

How can I use "under the onslaught" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe something or someone experiencing an overwhelming force or attack. For example: "The city crumbled "under the onslaught" of the invading army."

What are some alternatives to "under the onslaught"?

Alternatives include "amidst the barrage", "in the face of the assault", or "overwhelmed by the attack", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "under the onslaught of" formal or informal?

The phrase "under the onslaught of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more frequently found in news and media or academic writing due to its descriptive power. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

Which is the correct preposition to use: "under the onslaught of" or "under the onslaught from"?

"Under the onslaught of" is the more common and grammatically correct preposition to use. While "under the onslaught from" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used and can sound awkward in certain contexts.