a full-scale war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a full-scale war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a war that involves all available resources and is conducted on a large scale, typically between nations or large groups. Example: "The tensions between the two countries escalated quickly, leading many analysts to fear that a full-scale war was imminent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It then can escalate into a full-scale war".

The New York Times

News of the Sand Creek Massacre ignited a full-scale war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the latter are gone, Syria will no doubt slip into a full-scale war".

The New York Times

A full-scale war with Iran would not be in America's interests.

The New York Times

Kommersant also concluded that the stage was set for the resumption of a full-scale war.

The New York Times

Such an attack would almost certainly lead to a full-scale war, with many casualties.

The New Yorker

The rift, reports said, threatened to erupt into a full-scale war.

The New York Times

A full-scale war in Asia would most certainly have heavy casualties.

The New York Times

"A full-scale war will be a disaster for both sides".

The Guardian

Japan grabbed part of northeastern China in 1931 and a full-scale war began between China and Japan in 1937.

The New York Times

Even if they oppose an American strike, China's leaders understand that a full-scale war would be far worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a full-scale war" when you want to emphasize the extensive nature and widespread impact of a conflict. This phrase is particularly effective in conveying the idea that the conflict is not limited in scope or intensity, affecting multiple aspects of society or international relations.

Common error

Avoid using "a full-scale war" to describe minor disputes or localized incidents. This phrase implies a much larger and more comprehensive conflict than a simple disagreement or skirmish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a full-scale war" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a conflict that involves all available resources and is conducted on a large scale. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a full-scale war" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a conflict involving extensive resources and widespread engagement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly found in news and media, wiki articles and encyclopedias. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when describing conflicts that extend beyond limited skirmishes and to avoid using it for minor disputes. Related phrases include "all-out war" and "total war". Be mindful of overstating minor conflicts by using the phrase inappropriately. This phrase is generally considered to be neutral in tone, allowing it to be versatile across multiple writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all-out war

Emphasizes the totality of the conflict, implying that all resources are committed.

total war

Highlights the involvement of the entire nation and its resources in the war effort.

large-scale conflict

Focuses on the magnitude and geographical reach of the conflict.

major armed conflict

Stresses the severity and military nature of the conflict.

extensive military engagement

Underscores the active involvement of military forces on a broad level.

widespread hostilities

Highlights the broad geographical distribution of the conflict.

major confrontation

Indicates a significant and direct clash between opposing forces.

large-scale armed aggression

Emphasizes the act of initiating conflict on a significant scale.

general war

Refers to a war involving many or all of the major nations.

extensive armed struggle

Highlights the prolonged and intense nature of the conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "a full-scale war" in a sentence?

You can use "a full-scale war" to describe a conflict involving extensive resources and widespread engagement, such as: "Analysts feared that escalating tensions would lead to "a full-scale war" between the two nations."

What is an alternative to using "a full-scale war"?

Alternatives include "all-out war", "total war", or "large-scale conflict" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "a full-scale war" in non-military contexts?

While primarily used for military conflicts, "a full-scale war" can be metaphorically applied to other domains like business or politics to describe intense competition or conflict, but use it with caution to avoid hyperbole.

What distinguishes "a full-scale war" from a limited military engagement?

"A full-scale war" implies a complete mobilization of resources and a wide range of involved parties, unlike a limited engagement which is typically localized and involves fewer resources.