"we had a terrorist attack" vs "we suffered a terrorist attack"

Question

"we had a terrorist attack" vs "we suffered a terrorist attack"

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning but with a slight difference in nuance. 'We had a terrorist attack' is more straightforward and factual, while 'We suffered a terrorist attack' emphasizes the impact and negative consequences of the attack.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to state that a terrorist attack took place without emphasizing the impact or consequences of the attack.

Examples:

We had a terrorist attack last night.
They had a terrorist attack in the city center.

Alternatives:

We experienced a terrorist attack
There was a terrorist attack
A terrorist attack occurred
We were the target of a terrorist attack
A terrorist attack happened

This phrase is used to highlight the emotional, physical, or material harm caused by a terrorist attack.

Examples:

The country suffered a terrorist attack last year.
The community suffered a terrorist attack and is still recovering.

Alternatives:

We were affected by a terrorist attack
We endured a terrorist attack
We were hit by a terrorist attack
We faced a terrorist attack
We bore the brunt of a terrorist attack

Answer 1

we had a terrorist attack

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe the occurrence of a terrorist attack.

Answer 2

we suffered a terrorist attack

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe experiencing a terrorist attack with a focus on the negative impact and consequences.

"we had a terrorist attack" vs "we suffered a terrorist attack"

we had a terrorist attack

we suffered a terrorist attack

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