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Grammar fix

a vicious attack

savage/violent attack (figurative or literal)

an attack that is extremely violent, cruel, or aggressive, either physically or in words; often used to emphasize the intensity or brutality of criticism, arguments, or physical assaults.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The politician faced a vicious attack from the media after the scandal was revealed.communication
  • In my opinion, social media can make it easier for people to launch a vicious attack on others without facing any real consequences, which is a worrying trend.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: a vicious attack (on/upon someone/something)

Wronga vicious attack to his character.

Righta vicious attack on his character.

'An attack ON someone/something', not 'to'.

Patterna vicious attack (on/upon someone/something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He was subjected to a brutally ferocious assault.

Natural He came under a vicious attack.

'Brutally ferocious assault' overwrites; 'a vicious attack' is the standard collocation.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a vicious attack on
    onlaunchcome underpersonal

Don't confuse it

Unlike 'a strong attack', which can simply mean forceful, 'a vicious attack' always carries a sense of cruelty or brutality, whether physical or verbal.

Try it in Daily Speak →