Prepositions with nouns

Using “attack” with prepositions

The standard expression is “under attack”. “Of attack” is not a normal fixed combination before the noun attack.

Quick answer

Which phrase should you use?

Use “under attack” when someone or something is being criticised or physically targeted. “Of attack” is generally not idiomatic as a standalone phrase before the noun attack. Other natural combinations include “attack on” and “attack against”.

The city was under attack all night.
Her research came under attack from critics.
The attack on the bridge caused major delays.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

under attack

Describing criticism or physical assault

Use this fixed expression when a person, place, or idea is being targeted.

The policy is under attack from several groups.

The base came under attack at dawn.

attack on + target

Naming the target of an attack

Use “on” to identify what or who was attacked.

The attack on the airport shocked the country.

There was an attack on his character during the debate.

attack against + group/system

Emphasising opposition

Use “against” when stressing hostile action directed toward someone or something.

They launched an attack against corruption.

The article was an attack against modern banking.

attack with + weapon

Showing the method or weapon

Use “with” to introduce the instrument used in an attack.

The guard was injured in an attack with a knife.

Police investigated an attack with chemical agents.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction

Example

Meaning

under attack

The company is under attack for its pricing policies.

being criticised or assaulted

of attack

The phrase “of attack” is not a standard fixed expression before the noun attack.

generally nonstandard in this use

attack on

The attack on the embassy lasted two hours.

identifies the target

attack against

The campaign was an attack against wasteful spending.

emphasises opposition or hostility

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of attack” instead of “under attack”

English uses the fixed phrase “under attack”.

✕ The website was of attack yesterday. ✓ The website was under attack yesterday.

Choosing the wrong preposition for the target

Use “attack on” to name what was attacked.

✕ The attack against the bridge caused traffic problems. ✓ The attack on the bridge caused traffic problems.

Omitting the article in noun phrases

Countable uses of attack usually need an article.

✕ Attack on the station shocked residents. ✓ The attack on the station shocked residents.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The minister came ___ attack after the interview.

2. The attack ___ the power station caused blackouts.

3. The group launched an attack ___ illegal trade.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “under attack” only for military situations?

No. It is also widely used for criticism, for example when a policy or idea is strongly criticised.

Can I use “attack against”?

Yes. It is natural when highlighting hostility or opposition toward a person, group, or system.

Is “of attack” ever correct?

Not as a normal fixed phrase before attack. In most situations, English uses “under attack”, “attack on”, or “attack against” instead.

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