What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assailants
Example
The assailants ambushed the unsuspecting victim in a dark alley. [assailants: noun]
Example
The police are searching for the assailants who robbed the bank. [assailants: plural noun]
attacker
Example
The victim managed to defend herself from the attacker's blows. [attacker: noun]
Example
The news reported that the attacker was arrested and taken into custody. [attacker: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Attacker is more commonly used than assailants in everyday language. Attacker is a widely recognized term that can be used in various contexts, including legal discussions and personal accounts of assaults. On the other hand, assailants is less common and is often used in specific situations, such as news reports or official statements regarding an attack involving multiple individuals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assailants and attacker?
While assailants has a slightly more formal tone, attacker is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts. Attacker is commonly used in legal proceedings, news reports, and personal accounts, making it suitable for a wide range of situations.
