a fierce battle

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fierce battle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a struggle between two opposing forces, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The students fought a fierce battle to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be a fierce battle.

The Economist

After a fierce battle it ousted him in 1989.

The New York Times

The conflicting assessments have provoked a fierce battle in Washington.

The Guardian

It's a fierce battle, but Dr. Dre prevails, just barely.

The New York Times

Malone, 40, and Turkoglu, 22, waged a fierce battle.

The New York Times - Sports

A fierce battle has been raging over the design.

The Guardian

Samsung and Motorola are locked in a fierce battle for the industry's number two position.

The Economist

In a fierce battle, Octavian's forces defeat Antony at Actium, near Greece.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A fierce battle was fought in the Alps against Aistulf and the Lombards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

WECHSLER--Arnold L.,67, on June 6th, from a fierce battle with lung cancer.

The New York Times

He and Lamont are locked in a fierce battle for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fierce battle", consider the tone and register of your writing. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's crucial to align it with the overall style. In academic writing, ensure the intensity conveyed by 'fierce' is appropriate for the subject matter. In creative writing, leverage the evocative nature of the phrase to enhance narrative impact.

Common error

Avoid stacking intensifiers with "a fierce battle". For example, "a very fierce battle" can sound redundant. Instead, focus on providing specific details about the battle itself to convey its intensity more effectively. Describing the strategies, casualties, or stakes involved will paint a more vivid picture than relying on excessive adjectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fierce battle" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting an intense and significant conflict. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing both literal military engagements and metaphorical struggles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fierce battle" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys an intense and significant conflict. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples across diverse sources indicates its wide applicability, particularly in news and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and register of your writing to ensure the phrase aligns with the overall style. By avoiding redundancy and providing specific details about the battle, you can enhance the impact and vividness of your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense conflict

Emphasizes the high degree of intensity in the struggle.

a heated clash

Highlights the emotional and passionate nature of the confrontation.

a brutal fight

Focuses on the violent and merciless aspects of the battle.

a pitched battle

Refers to a battle where forces are closely engaged in direct combat.

a tough struggle

Indicates a difficult and challenging fight, potentially against adversity.

an all-out war

Suggests a comprehensive and unrestricted conflict.

a major confrontation

Emphasizes the significance and scale of the clash.

a desperate struggle

Highlights the sense of urgency and high stakes involved.

a hard-fought contest

Implies a competitive and closely matched battle where victory is difficult to achieve.

a significant conflict

Indicates the importance and impact of the battle.

FAQs

How can I use "a fierce battle" in a sentence?

You can use "a fierce battle" to describe any intense conflict, whether physical or metaphorical. For instance, "The two armies engaged in "a fierce battle" for control of the city", or "The companies waged "a fierce battle" for market share".

What are some alternatives to "a fierce battle"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an intense conflict", "a heated clash", or "a brutal fight". The best choice depends on the specific nuances you want to convey. For instance, "an intense conflict" emphasizes the high degree of intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "a fierce battle" in formal writing?

Yes, "a fierce battle" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing historical events or conflicts. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. Less formal alternatives like "a tough struggle" might be more suitable in certain contexts.

What distinguishes "a fierce battle" from "a minor skirmish"?

"A fierce battle" implies a significant and intense conflict with high stakes and considerable effort involved. In contrast, "a minor skirmish" refers to a small-scale, less intense encounter, often involving fewer participants and having less impact on the overall situation.