student asking question

Can I say "attack" instead of "strike"? Or do they have different connotations?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

They do have slightly different connotations! "Strike" is a single action or hit, whereas an "attack" could be more than one hit, and it could last longer. One can "strike" someone while "attacking" them. However, in this context, it would be fine to use "attack" instead of "strike", as they both indicate the beginning of a fight or attack. Ex: Are you ready? Attack! Ex: Just one more strike, and he'd be unconscious. Ex: Did you see the news? Someone was attacked last night. They had to go to the hospital. Ex: I was struck on the arm during a fight. Ex: Those bugs could attack at any moment. = Those bugs could strike at any moment.

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