a large army

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large army" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the size of a military force in various contexts, such as historical accounts, military strategy discussions, or fictional narratives. Example: "The kingdom prepared for battle by assembling a large army to defend its borders against the invading forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A large army was also maintained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also has a large army.

The New York Times

The Shang dispatched a large army to meet the invaders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Andrew J. Bacevich: Do we really need a large Army?

The Washington Post

Another attack came in 653, whereupon Ashurbanipal sent a large army that decisively defeated the Elamites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Roman emperor Gordian III led a large army against Shāpūr I in 243.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Rwandan Defense Force consists of a large army contingent and small air force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also insisted on using a large army of climbers who worked methodically as a team.

The Economist

Alexander imprisoned Pelopidas, and the Thebans had to send a large army to procure his release.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, conscription raised a large army that turned the tide of the war in France's favor.

Britannica

The pacification of Karamoja in recent years has involved a large army presence there.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large army", consider the specific context to determine if a more descriptive or evocative term might be appropriate. For instance, "a vast horde" might better convey the image of an unorganized invading force, while "a powerful legion" suggests a well-trained and disciplined military.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a large army" without providing context. Instead, offer specifics about the army's composition, equipment, or strategic role to enhance the reader's understanding and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large army" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for use in various contexts. The examples provided show it describing historical events and military capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

26%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

29%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a large army" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a sizable military force. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for diverse contexts, from historical accounts to modern news reporting. While widely applicable, writers should consider if more descriptive or evocative terms might better suit the specific context. The frequency analysis reveals its prevalence in Encyclopedias, News & Media and Wiki, with more formal or scientific sources potentially requiring greater precision. Ludwig AI ensures its correctness and provides a range of suitable alternatives for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sizable military force

Replaces "army" with a more formal "military force" and "large" with "sizable", maintaining a similar degree of impact.

a massive troop contingent

Uses "massive" instead of "large" for emphasis, and "troop contingent" as a more specific term for a military unit.

an extensive military

Employs "extensive" to describe the army, focusing on its scope and reach.

a considerable armed force

Substitutes "army" with "armed force" and "large" with "considerable", implying a noteworthy and well-equipped military.

a significant number of soldiers

Rephrases the concept by specifying "soldiers" and quantifying them as "a significant number".

a powerful legion

Employs the more evocative term "legion" and "powerful" instead of "large" to imply a strong military body.

a numerous host

Uses the archaic term "host" to refer to the army, and "numerous" in place of "large".

a vast array of troops

Replaces "army" with "array of troops", using "vast" to emphasize the size.

a formidable fighting force

Focuses on the army's combat capabilities, replacing "army" with "fighting force" and using "formidable" to convey its strength.

a great horde of warriors

Uses "horde of warriors" for a more dramatic and less organized image, emphasizing quantity over discipline.

FAQs

How can I use "a large army" in a sentence?

You can use "a large army" to describe a sizable military force. For example, "The general commanded "a large army" ready for battle."

What are some alternatives to "a large army"?

You can use alternatives like "a sizable military force", "a massive troop contingent", or "an extensive military" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "a large army" or "a great army"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a large army" emphasizes the size, while "a great army" typically implies skill, success, or historical significance. The better choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

What's the difference between "a large army" and "a large force"?

"A large army" specifically refers to a military force, whereas "a large force" can refer to any substantial group of people or things, not necessarily military in nature. Therefore, "a large army" is more precise when discussing military matters.