a soldier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a soldier" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a member of the armed forces, typically in a military context. Example: "During the ceremony, a soldier stood at attention, ready to honor the fallen heroes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A soldier, a soldier,.

The New Yorker

But a soldier is a soldier.

The New Yorker

You're a soldier".

The New Yorker

"Am I a soldier?

Independent

"I'm a soldier".

The New York Times

A soldier pushed her.

The New Yorker

"No," a soldier replied.

The New Yorker

A soldier in Gaza.

The New Yorker

There's a soldier".

The New York Times

To us a soldier is a soldier is a soldier".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Go to the Create-a-Soldier menu.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about military topics, use "a soldier" to refer to an individual member of the armed forces, ensuring clarity and avoiding jargon unless appropriate for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a soldier" interchangeably with terms like "the military" or "the army". "A soldier" refers to an individual, while the others refer to the institution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a soldier" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it is generally used in a military context to identify an individual member of the armed forces. Many Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions or states of being of specific individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a soldier" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to an individual serving in the armed forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and its purpose is primarily to identify or describe the role and actions of individuals within a military setting. Remember to avoid using "a soldier" interchangeably with broader terms like "the military". When a more formal term is desired alternatives such as "military personnel" or "service member" can be utilized. The expert rating is high, reflecting its grammatical correctness, authoritative sources, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

military personnel

A more formal and general term for individuals serving in the armed forces.

armed forces member

Similar to "military personnel" but emphasizes membership in the armed forces.

member of the military

A more descriptive way to refer to someone serving in the armed forces.

service member

A common and neutral term for someone in the military.

military man/woman

Gender-specific terms for a soldier.

enlisted person

Specifically refers to a soldier who is not an officer.

troop

Refers to a soldier, often in the context of a group or unit.

combatant

Highlights the role of fighting or engaging in conflict.

warrior

Evokes a sense of bravery and skill in battle, but can be more figurative.

fighter

A more general term that can apply to various types of armed individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "a soldier" in a sentence?

You can use "a soldier" to refer to an individual serving in the armed forces. For example, "A soldier stood guard at the entrance."

What are some alternatives to "a soldier"?

Some alternatives to "a soldier" include "military personnel", "service member", or "member of the military", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

Which is correct: "a soldier" or "soldier"?

Both can be correct depending on the context. "Soldier" can be used as a noun, while "a soldier" specifies a single, individual soldier.

What is the difference between "a soldier" and "a warrior"?

"A soldier" specifically refers to a member of the armed forces, while "a warrior" has broader connotations of someone skilled in combat and may not necessarily be part of a formal military.