Dictionary-enhanced word family
Word Forms of “Attack”
To try to harm someone or damage something using force, or to say bad things about someone or something.
Word Family of Attack
Some English words keep the same spelling as a noun and a verb. Context tells you which form is being used.
How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence
- The soldier was ordered to attack the enemy position. B1
- Critics attacked the new policy as unfair. B2
- The dog attacked a strange cat in the yard. B1
Origin and Word Formation of Attack
From Old French "attackier" — to fasten or assail; possibly from "tache" (nail or fastening).
Common Word Form Mistakes with Attack
Wrong: They attacking the fort all night.
Correct: They attacked the fort all night.
Past tense is 'attacked' (regular verb + -ed), not 'attacking'. Use -ing only for continuous forms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Attack
What are the word forms of “attack”?
The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.
What part of speech is “attack”?
“attack” is primarily a verb. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.
Can “attack” be both a noun and a verb?
Yes. Some words keep the same spelling across parts of speech; the surrounding sentence shows the function.
Where does “attack” come from?
From Old French "attackier" — to fasten or assail; possibly from "tache" (nail or fastening).