a dirty war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dirty war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict characterized by brutal tactics, human rights violations, or a lack of clear rules of engagement. Example: "The government faced international condemnation for its involvement in a dirty war against its own citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This is dirty — a dirty war".

The New Yorker

It's a war, and a dirty war".

The Guardian

"It was a dirty war on both sides," he said of I.R.A. resistance to British rule.

The New York Times

The Mexican military is fighting a dirty war, not only in Michoacán but throughout the country.

The New Yorker

The authorities are waging a dirty war of reprisals in which civilians are the main victims.

The Economist

"It's a dirty war; everyone thought Van Calster was dead," Mr. Kestens said.

The New York Times

"A dirty war is always going on - it's just more disguised in advanced democracies.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

After the war, they had the image of a very strong & democratic USA, When the Vietnam war began-even among the intelligentsia, who believe it is a dirty war-there was still the image of a very strong USA.

The New Yorker

Maduro claimed he was the target of a "dirty war".

The Guardian

The group has accused the government of carrying out a "dirty war" against leftists and journalists.

The New York Times

Described in a leaked, 120-page parliamentary report, this sordid sub rosa alliance waged a dirty war against Kurds and Turkish dissidents.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a dirty war", ensure the context clearly illustrates the unethical or brutal tactics employed, providing specific examples if possible to enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a dirty war" as a cliché. Ensure that the situation genuinely involves severe human rights violations, disregard for laws of war, or other egregious conduct before applying this label.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dirty war" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific type of conflict characterized by unethical and illegal practices, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dirty war" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe conflicts marked by severe ethical and legal violations. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news media, academic discussions, and encyclopedic entries. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase carries a strong connotation of disapproval and condemnation. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the specific human rights abuses or illegal tactics employed to avoid overuse and maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brutal conflict

This alternative focuses on the violence and harshness of the conflict, omitting the aspect of moral compromise.

an unethical war

This alternative emphasizes the moral aspect, highlighting the lack of ethical conduct during the war.

a ruthless battle

This phrase emphasizes the lack of compassion or mercy in the conflict.

a sordid campaign

This alternative emphasizes the disgraceful or distasteful aspects of a planned series of actions.

a lawless conflict

Highlights the absence of legal constraints or regulations during the war.

a cruel struggle

Focuses on the suffering and inhumanity inflicted during the conflict.

a vicious fight

Emphasizes the violent and aggressive nature of the conflict.

a no-holds-barred confrontation

Indicates that all means, even typically unacceptable ones, are being used.

a scorched earth policy

Describes a military strategy that involves destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy.

total war

Implies a conflict where all resources of a nation are mobilized and all distinctions between combatants and civilians are blurred.

FAQs

What exactly does "a dirty war" mean?

The term "a dirty war" typically describes a conflict characterized by the systematic use of illegal or unethical methods, such as torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, often targeting civilians or political opponents.

How can I use "a dirty war" in a sentence?

You might say, "The military regime was accused of waging "a dirty war" against its own citizens" to illustrate the brutal suppression of dissent.

Are there situations where describing a conflict as "a dirty war" would be inaccurate?

Yes, it would be inaccurate to label a conventional war with established rules of engagement as "a dirty war". The term is reserved for conflicts marked by severe violations of human rights and international law.

What are some of the historical examples of "a dirty war"?

Examples include the Argentine Dirty War of the 1970s, and actions during the Algerian War, both characterized by state-sponsored terrorism and severe human rights abuses.