while under attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while under attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing an assault or criticism during a specific period. Example: "The company continued to operate normally while under attack from negative media coverage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Tesco was struggling to shore up revenues while under attack from the discounters Aldi and Lidl.

The Guardian - Business

They were all military exercises conducted in the cold war to assess how well American forces could fight while under attack from chemical or biological weapons.

The New York Times

While the quests I've played through thus far – escort this, kill them, capture that – are hardly the world's most progressive, what's more impressive is their novelty – escorting a hydras severed head while under attack from harpies anyone?

Independent

Mr. Gingrich, who has dropped precipitously in polls while under attack by a "super PAC" supporting Mr. Romney, told reporters traveling with him that "Romney called himself a moderate as governor".

The New York Times

The court said that the two soldiers, both infantry sergeants, had taken part in an operation to seize an apartment building in Tel al-Hawa, a southern suburb of Gaza City, while under attack from Hamas fighters.

The New York Times

While under attack from several fronts — including smartphones and the growth of online applications and services — the industry has also seen its usual safety net, the corporate market, dry up.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

While London is under attack and Londoners are taking it on the chin it would be truly pathetic if MPs swanned off on holiday.

The Guardian

His predecessor had resigned while H.R.A. was under attack for its handling of foster care, child abuse and the homeless, and for trying to silence whistle-blowers.

The New York Times

In Skyfall, which features a new theme song performed by Adele, Bond travels between Istanbul, Shanghai and London as his loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her, while MI6 comes under attack from an unknown threat.

Independent

Microsoft has closed down Chinese language blogs at the request of the government, while Google came under attack when it launched a censored version of its search engine in China earlier this year.

The Guardian - Tech

Azerbaijan helped European diplomats enter Georgia while it was under attack, but when the leaders of Ukraine, the Baltics and Poland traveled to Tbilisi to express solidarity with the Georgians, the Azeri president, Ilham Aliyev, did not make the trip.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is "while under attack", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being attacked and the nature of the attack. This helps to convey the intensity and impact of the situation more effectively.

Common error

Ensure that the subject performing an action "while under attack" is clearly defined. Ambiguity can arise if it's unclear who or what is facing the attack, diluting the message's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while under attack" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adverb, modifying a verb or clause. It describes the circumstances under which an action is performed or a state exists. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while under attack" is a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverb, providing context to an action by specifying that it occurs during a conflict or period of opposition. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable. It is most frequently encountered in "News & Media" and Wiki sources. Though grammatically correct, clarity is key; when using "while under attack", ensure it's evident what or who is being targeted. Alternatives include "during an assault" or "amidst an offensive". In essence, this phrase underscores resilience and persistence in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during an assault

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the attack, specifying that the action happens during the period of assault.

amidst an offensive

Highlights the chaotic environment and positions the action within the middle of the offensive.

while fending off attacks

Emphasizes the active defense against multiple attacks, adding a sense of resistance.

whilst being assaulted

A more formal way of saying "while under attack", uses "whilst" instead of "while" and "being assaulted" to rephrase the attack.

in the face of aggression

Emphasizes the confrontation with aggressive actions, shifting the focus from the attack itself to the response.

during enemy fire

Specifically refers to being attacked with gunfire or other projectiles, suggesting a military context.

under siege

Implies a prolonged and intense attack, often suggesting the target is surrounded.

being bombarded

Conveys a sense of overwhelming attack, whether literal or figurative, often involving a barrage of something.

subjected to hostility

Focuses on the experience of receiving hostile actions, highlighting the personal or emotional impact.

in a defensive posture

Emphasizes the act of defending against an attack.

FAQs

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

You can use "while under attack" to describe actions or states occurring during an assault. For example, "The soldier maintained his composure "while under attack"." This indicates that the soldier was attacked, and during that attack, he remained composed.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "while under attack"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during an assault", "amidst an offensive", or "in the face of aggression", which can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "while under attack"?

Yes, "while under attack" is grammatically correct. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a condition or circumstance during which an action occurs.

What's the difference between "while under attack" and "during an assault"?

Both phrases indicate a time when an attack is happening, but "while under attack" can imply a continuous state of being attacked, whereas "during an assault" typically refers to a specific instance or period of assault.