a soldier for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a soldier for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone who serves or fights for a particular cause, organization, or country. Example: "He has always been a soldier for justice, fighting against inequality and oppression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a soldier for Cristina".

The New York Times

A soldier for every migrant, waiting with a gun.

The Guardian

Kashifi had been a soldier for 22 years.

The New York Times - Magazine

(That's a soldier for you: That which doesn't kill him makes him laugh).

The New York Times

Jamie Beer, 26, was a soldier for seven years and served in Afghanistan.

The Guardian

"But we also have to prepare a soldier for their worst day".

The New York Times

The first person I meet is David, a soldier for 10 years.

The Guardian

He had been turned in by a neighbour and a soldier for "aiding the rebellion".

The Guardian

I see him as a soldier for a country that did the wrong thing.

The Guardian - Sport

An Islamic State-run news agency claimed the attacker was a "soldier" for the group.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, he was studying Marxism at school and dreaming of becoming a soldier for the revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a soldier for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person or entity is fighting or advocating for. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "a soldier for" in highly informal settings where simpler terms like "supporter" or "advocate" might be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound overly dramatic or intense if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a soldier for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or adjective. It describes someone who actively supports or fights for a cause, organization, or belief, aligning with Ludwig's observation about its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a soldier for" is a prepositional phrase denoting strong support and active advocacy for a particular cause, person, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile. It appears frequently in news and media, but also in academic writing and formal business communications. While appropriate in most contexts, overusing it in very informal settings could sound overly dramatic. Alternatives include "an advocate for" or "a champion of". Considering its wide applicability and clear meaning, "a soldier for" remains a powerful way to describe dedication and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An advocate for

Focuses on actively supporting a cause or person, rather than necessarily fighting for it.

A champion of

Implies strong support and defense of a cause or person.

A supporter of

Indicates providing assistance and approval, potentially in a less confrontational way.

A defender of

Highlights the act of protecting something from attack or criticism.

A proponent of

Stresses advocating for the adoption or implementation of a belief or cause.

A fighter for

Emphasizes active combat or struggle in support of something.

A crusader for

Suggests a passionate and determined effort to advance a cause, often with a moral or ethical dimension.

A zealot for

Implies excessive enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, sometimes to the point of fanaticism.

A loyalist to

Highlights allegiance and devotion to a person, group, or cause.

A devotee of

Emphasizes deep admiration and dedication, often with a personal or spiritual connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a soldier for" to describe someone who is dedicated to a cause, as in "He was "a soldier for" environmental protection".

What are some alternatives to using "a soldier for"?

Alternatives include "an advocate for", "a champion of", or "a supporter of depending on the nuance you want to convey".

Is it better to say "a soldier for" or "a soldier of"?

"A soldier for" is generally used to indicate someone fighting or advocating for a cause. "A soldier of" typically refers to someone who is part of a particular army or nation. Thus, ""a soldier for"" is used metaphorically.

What does it mean to be "a soldier for" a cause?

To be ""a soldier for"" a cause means to be a dedicated and active supporter, often implying a willingness to fight or advocate strongly for that cause.