a fellow soldier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fellow soldier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who shares the same profession or experience, particularly in a military context. Example: "During the ceremony, he honored the memory of a fellow soldier who had bravely served alongside him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A fellow soldier drew his rifle, but "she said: 'No.

The New York Times

A fellow soldier returning from chow stopped me.

The New York Times

For killing a fellow soldier in a bar fight.

The Guardian - Books

His wife, Emilia (Lyndsey Marshal), is in this production a fellow soldier.

The New York Times

A fellow soldier in the 9th East Surrey Regiment described him as "an outstandingly brave fellow.

The Guardian - Film

"He was a good shot," Jeremy Murphy, a fellow soldier, said.

The New York Times - Magazine

When a fellow soldier sent Mrs. Jefferson photos of her husband, she was puzzled.

The New York Times

The writer's brief meeting with a fellow soldier in 1942, who was an illiterate farmer from Oklahoma.

The New Yorker

But, staff around the commander now feel particularly aggrieved that a fellow soldier is delaying vital military operations.

Independent

Soldiers have said that he cut fingers off bodies and used them to intimidate a fellow soldier into keeping quiet.

The New York Times

Barry Winchell, 21, was bludgeoned to death by a fellow soldier after an evening of drinking beer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more specific terms like "a fellow marine" or "a fellow airman" for greater precision and to properly reflect the branch of military service.

Common error

While "a fellow soldier" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse, especially in formal reports or analyses. Opt for more precise terms like "military personnel" or "service member" when a formal tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fellow soldier" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fellow soldier" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a comrade or colleague in military service. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and encyclopedias to personal narratives. The phrase conveys camaraderie and shared experience, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, remember to consider the specific context and avoid overuse, opting for more precise terms like "military personnel" or "service member" when necessary. Alternatives such as "a comrade in arms" or "a fellow serviceman" can also provide nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comrade in arms

Emphasizes the shared experience of combat or military service.

a brother in arms

Highlights the strong bond and camaraderie between soldiers.

a military colleague

A more formal way to refer to a fellow member of the armed forces.

a fellow serviceman

A gender-neutral term for someone serving in the military.

a comrade in service

Similar to "comrade in arms" but emphasizes the act of serving together.

a military peer

Indicates someone of similar rank or status in the military.

a war buddy

An informal term suggesting a close friendship formed during wartime.

a battle buddy

Highlights the relationship of soldiers who support each other in combat.

a fellow combatant

Focuses on the shared experience of fighting in a war or conflict.

a comrade in uniform

Emphasizes the shared identity and experience of wearing a military uniform.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a fellow soldier"?

You can use alternatives like "a comrade in arms", "a military colleague", or "a fellow serviceman" depending on the context.

Is "a fellow soldier" a gender-neutral term?

While commonly used, "a fellow soldier" can be perceived as male-centric. To be explicitly gender-neutral, consider using "a fellow serviceman" or "service member".

How do I use "a fellow soldier" in a sentence?

You can use "a fellow soldier" to describe someone who shares the same profession or experience in a military context, for example: "He risked his life to save "a fellow soldier" during the battle".

What is the difference between "a fellow soldier" and "a comrade in arms"?

"A fellow soldier" is a general term for someone in the military, while "a comrade in arms" specifically implies a shared experience in combat or military conflict, suggesting a stronger bond.