a holy war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holy war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conflict that is justified by religious beliefs or motivations. Example: "Throughout history, many have fought in a holy war, believing their cause to be divinely sanctioned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His war is not a holy war.

The New York Times

It's not a holy war.

The New Yorker

And think of a holy war waged in space!

The New Yorker

You don't declare a holy war on ham.

The New York Times

It is a Holy War, Jews versus Gentiles.

The New York Times - Magazine

Protests raged; one headline called it a "holy war".

The New York Times

She said she wanted to start a "holy war".

The Guardian

James P. Byrd: Was the American Revolution a holy war?

The Washington Post

But is there ever any justification for a holy war?

The Guardian

Some thought they were in a holy war.

The New York Times

Satire is Amis's version of a holy war.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a holy war", ensure the context clearly indicates that the conflict is perceived as divinely sanctioned or religiously justified by at least one of the parties involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a holy war" to describe any conflict with religious elements. It should be reserved for situations where religion is explicitly presented as the primary justification for the war.

Linguistic Context

A holy war functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates a specific type of conflict motivated by religious beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a holy war" is a frequently used phrase, primarily within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatically correct and widely understood. It signifies a conflict perceived as religiously justified, often carrying strong connotations of moral righteousness or divine mandate. While the phrase can be used neutrally, particularly in academic settings, it's important to be aware of its potential to evoke strong emotions or ideological biases. Related phrases such as "a religious war" or "a sacred war" offer subtly different shades of meaning, allowing for more nuanced expression. It is vital to use this phrase with careful consideration of the implications and potential misinterpretations, and is better suited for events where at least one party presents their views as being sanctioned by the divine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a religious war

This alternative directly replaces 'holy' with 'religious', keeping the core meaning intact but emphasizing the religious aspect of the conflict.

a sacred war

Using 'sacred' instead of 'holy' maintains the reverence associated with the conflict, highlighting its spiritual significance.

a crusade

This term implies a zealous, often religiously motivated, campaign for a specific cause.

a moral crusade

This highlights the ethical or moral dimension of the struggle, rather than specifically religious aspects.

a jihad

This term, specific to Islam, refers to a struggle or effort, which can include armed conflict for religious purposes.

an ideological battle

This shifts the focus to the clash of ideas and beliefs, removing the explicitly religious connotation.

a battle for righteousness

This emphasizes the perceived moral superiority of one side in the conflict.

a fight for faith

This alternative centers on the defense or promotion of religious beliefs.

a war of principles

This broadens the scope to include conflicts based on any deeply held beliefs or values.

a conflict of beliefs

This is a more neutral way to describe a struggle rooted in differing ideologies or faiths.

FAQs

How is "a holy war" generally defined?

Generally, "a holy war" refers to a conflict seen as religiously justified. It is fought to defend or spread religious beliefs and is considered a sacred duty by its participants.

What's the difference between "a religious war" and "a holy war"?

While both involve religion, "a holy war" implies a divine mandate or justification, making it a sacred act for believers. "A religious war" may simply be a conflict where religion is a significant factor without the same sense of divine imperative.

Can "a holy war" be used in a non-religious context?

While traditionally religious, the term "a holy war" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe a conflict or struggle pursued with intense conviction and a sense of moral righteousness, even if not explicitly religious.

What are some historical examples of what has been described as "a holy war"?

Historical examples often cited as "a holy war" include the Crusades, certain periods of the Thirty Years' War, and some interpretations of Jihad. The specific label is often debated depending on the historical perspective.