a hot war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hot war" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an active, intense, and often violent conflict, as opposed to a "cold war," which refers to a state of political hostility without direct military action. Example: "The tensions between the two countries escalated quickly, leading to a hot war that devastated the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But this one is, after all, distinctly a hot war.

The New Yorker

We could even stumble into a hot war.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not a cold war anymore; it's a hot war!

The New York Times - Magazine

"We do not seek a cold, let alone a hot, war with Russia," he said.

Independent

"We are probably facing a hot war," Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaitė told the conference.

The Guardian

"I think we are in a hot war with Russia, not a cold war," she said.

The New Yorker

But now you've got two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a hot war against Al Qaeda".

The New York Times

Mr Putin is thus unlikely to want to push things so far that Russian forces get sucked into a hot war in Ukraine against fellow Slavs.

The Economist

By the time he was captured, Mr. Farbiarz said, the United States was "in what might colloquially be called a hot war with Al Qaeda".

The New York Times

But now a Hot War has started in Ukraine and there is no reason why France should still want to implement the old agreement.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That would be a story of fear conquering reason, of cold-war paranoia becoming a hot-war nightmare.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hot war" to clearly distinguish active, armed conflicts from "cold wars" or other forms of geopolitical tension that do not involve direct military engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a hot war" to describe any conflict. The term specifically implies the presence of active, armed combat. Using it for trade disputes or political disagreements dilutes its meaning and reduces clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hot war" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a period of active military conflict, as opposed to a state of cold war as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hot war" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term for describing an active military conflict, as validated by Ludwig. It's particularly useful for distinguishing such conflicts from periods of "cold war". While suitable for general usage, particularly in news and media, writers should ensure it accurately reflects a situation involving active combat. Alternatives like "an active war" or "a full-scale war" can provide similar meaning with slight shifts in emphasis. Ludwig examples highlight the widespread use of the term in respected news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an active war

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the conflict.

an intense conflict

Highlights the high level of activity and engagement.

a full-scale war

Emphasizes the large scope and commitment of resources.

a shooting war

Specifies that weapons are being actively used.

an armed conflict

Broadly refers to a conflict involving weapons.

a state of war

Refers to the condition of belligerency between nations.

military engagement

A more neutral way to refer to military conflict.

open warfare

Highlights the overt and unconcealed nature of the fighting.

outright war

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the conflict.

total war

Indicates a conflict where all resources are mobilized.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a hot war" and "a cold war"?

"A hot war" involves active armed conflict, while "a cold war" is a state of political hostility without direct military action.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a hot war"?

Use "a hot war" to describe situations where there is active military fighting and violence, such as the war in Afghanistan.

What are some alternatives to "a hot war"?

Alternatives include "an active war", "an intense conflict", or "a full-scale war", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a hot war" a formal or informal term?

While the term is widely understood, it is generally considered more suitable for news reporting and general discussions rather than highly formal academic or business writing.