a fierce war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fierce war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict that is intense, violent, or characterized by strong opposition. Example: "The two nations engaged in a fierce war that lasted for several years, causing significant destruction and loss of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Koreans resisted, and a fierce war began.

Britannica

"They announced that they want to work with the FSA and announced a fierce war against Isis.

Independent

The YouTube kerfuffle is probably nothing more than that, but that's of course not to say that Android and iOS aren't in a fierce war.

MIT Technology Review

But after the scholars obtained a copy of a draft screenplay, criticized it severely and proposed substantial alterations, a fierce war of spin and counterspin broke out.

The New York Times

That bombing has meant that, although the siege is technically broken, few supplies have made it through the corridor that remains a fierce war zone.

The Guardian

For two years, Islamist insurgents waged a fierce war against Somalia's transitional government and the thousands of Ethiopian troops protecting it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A brief but fierce war ensued, in which the Israel Defense Forces destroyed much of Lebanon.

The New Yorker

But one contest is taking place below the radar of most New Yorkers, where the candidates are fighting a quiet but fierce war for the support of the dozens of political clubs in the city.

The New York Times

After a fierce bidding war, the American firm snatched the prize on May 12th for $7.3 billion.

The Economist

But the debate over it has set off a fierce lobbying war.

The New York Times - Tech

He predicted that a fierce price war would break out in bookshops before Christmas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a war, use "a fierce war" to convey intensity, aggression, and significant impact. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by its presence in Ludwig's examples from diverse sources.

Common error

Avoid using "fierce" to describe situations that lack genuine intensity or conflict. While "fierce" effectively conveys intensity, it sounds unnatural when applied to mundane situations. Instead of saying "a fierce debate over pizza toppings", opt for "a lively debate" or "a heated discussion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fierce war" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing its role in describing intense conflicts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fierce war" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed phrase, primarily used to describe intense and aggressive armed conflicts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence in news media, encyclopedias, and wikis, indicating its neutral register. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correctness and usability. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its connotation of significant intensity and aggression to prevent misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense conflict

Replaces "fierce" with "intense", focusing on the high level of activity or emotion involved.

a brutal war

Substitutes "fierce" with "brutal", emphasizing the ruthlessness and cruelty of the conflict.

a violent struggle

Replaces both "fierce" and "war" to highlight the aggression and effort involved in the conflict.

a bloody battle

Focuses on the physical violence and casualties of the war, replacing "fierce" with "bloody".

a heated confrontation

Highlights the emotional intensity and opposition involved in the war, softening the implication of physical violence.

an all-out war

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness and lack of restraint in the conflict.

a relentless campaign

Focuses on the sustained and unyielding nature of the conflict.

a bitter struggle

Highlights the deep-seated animosity and resentment fueling the conflict.

a major conflict

Simplifies the description, focusing on the scale and significance of the war.

a significant armed conflict

Provides a more formal and descriptive alternative, specifying the involvement of arms.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fierce war" to describe any armed conflict characterized by intensity and aggression. For example, "The nation endured "a fierce war" that reshaped its borders".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a fierce war"?

Alternatives include "an intense conflict", "a brutal war", or "a violent struggle", each emphasizing different aspects of the conflict.

Is "fierce war" a common expression?

Yes, the expression ""a fierce war"" is commonly used in news articles, historical accounts, and other forms of writing to describe a conflict with considerable intensity.

Can "a fierce war" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used to describe actual armed conflicts, ""a fierce war"" can be metaphorically applied to intense competitions or struggles in business, politics, or other domains, emphasizing the aggressiveness and high stakes involved.