a state of war

USAGE SUMMARY

"a state of war" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of hostility between two or more nations. For example, "The two neighboring countries were in a state of war for two years before a peace treaty was signed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are in a state of war".

The New York Times

The exchange brought about a state of war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We still are technically in a state of war.

Cornell University

We are not in a state of war with Russia.

The Washington Post

"I have signed a decree on a state of war.

The Guardian

Half the country is effectively in a state of war.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet it finds itself still in a state of war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Visit to Union Square to see what effect a state of war has had down there.

The New Yorker

"We are in a state of war with what remains of Al Qaeda," he said.

The New York Times

Within two years, however, the two rivals were again in a state of war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since then the country has returned to a state of war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or historical contexts, verify if the "state of war" was formally declared, as this has specific legal implications.

Common error

While "a state of conflict" can refer to various levels of disagreement or tension, "a state of war" specifically implies armed conflict between organized entities, typically nations. Use the latter only when actual warfare is occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of war" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific condition or situation characterized by armed conflict between two or more parties. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of war" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation of armed conflict, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an active and ongoing armed conflict. While "a state of conflict" is a related term, "a state of war" specifically denotes active military engagement between parties. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate the proper usage in various contexts. The phrase carries significant legal and historical implications, making precise use essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of armed conflict

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the same situation.

condition of belligerency

This phrase emphasizes the active hostility between parties.

time of war

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of the conflict.

period of hostilities

This phrase highlights the active fighting and aggression.

armed confrontation

This alternative describes the physical aspect of the conflict.

warlike situation

This phrase describes the characteristics of a time or place.

atmosphere of conflict

This alternative emphasizes the tension and potential for violence.

environment of combat

This describes a place where military actions are in progress.

declared war

This phrase means that there is a formal war.

undeclared war

This phrase means that the conflict is not formally recognized.

FAQs

How is "a state of war" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a state of war" is generally used to describe the relationship between two or more nations or groups engaged in armed conflict. For example: "The two countries have been in "a state of war" for the past decade."

What are some alternatives to saying "a state of war"?

Alternatives include "state of armed conflict", "condition of belligerency", or simply "time of war", depending on the specific context.

Is there a legal definition of "a state of war"?

Yes, in international law, "a state of war" typically implies that nations involved recognize the existence of armed conflict and the applicability of laws of war. However, the specific legal consequences can vary based on treaties and national laws.

What's the difference between "a state of war" and "a state of conflict"?

"A state of war" specifically refers to active armed conflict, while "a state of conflict" can refer to any level of disagreement or tension, including political or economic disputes that don't involve physical violence.