a token garrison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a token garrison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or symbolic military presence in a location, often to signify control or authority without a significant commitment of resources. Example: "The government deployed a token garrison to the remote area to maintain a semblance of order and deter any potential unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this confrontation 11,000 British troops, using emplaced artillery, drove off a token garrison of 400 Frenchmen.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1759, the British returned and drove a token French garrison from the fort merely by occupying high ground that threatened the fort.

Wikipedia

I am a token.

The Washington Post

He's a token passenger".

The New York Times - Sports

She held out a token.

The New Yorker

It was a token".

The New York Times

A token protest?

The Guardian

LACONIA, N.H. — You insert a token.

The New York Times - Arts

But theirs is rather a token victory.

The Economist

It is a token.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's 'A Prairie Home Companion Withoutt Garrison Keillor?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a token garrison" to accurately describe a small military presence intended more as a symbol of authority than a significant defensive force. For clarity, follow it with details about the garrison's size or purpose.

Common error

Avoid overstating the capabilities of "a token garrison". It represents a minimal force, not a substantial defense. Using it when a larger force is present can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a token garrison" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "token" modifies the noun "garrison". The phrase describes a military force that is small and often symbolic rather than substantial. Ludwig AI identifies this usage as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a token garrison" refers to a small, often symbolic, military force. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound, though its usage is relatively rare. Its primary function is to describe a minimal military presence, often for symbolic or control purposes, as shown in historical and news contexts. When writing, remember that "a token garrison" suggests a limited capability, and it should not be used when describing a substantial defensive force. Consider alternatives like "a symbolic garrison" or "a minimal garrison" depending on your intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a symbolic garrison

Replaces "token" with "symbolic", emphasizing the representative nature of the garrison.

a minimal garrison

Substitutes "token" with "minimal", highlighting the small size of the garrison.

a small detachment

Replaces "garrison" with "detachment", focusing on the group of soldiers.

a nominal garrison

Uses "nominal" instead of "token", indicating a garrison in name only.

a skeleton force

Emphasizes that the garrison is reduced to its bare essentials.

a reduced garrison

Highlights the fact that the garrison has been decreased in size.

a lightly manned garrison

Focuses on the limited number of personnel in the garrison.

a placeholder garrison

Indicates the garrison is there temporarily, holding a position.

a vestigial garrison

Implies the garrison is a remnant of a larger force.

a caretaker force

Suggests the garrison is primarily responsible for maintaining the location.

FAQs

How can I use "a token garrison" in a sentence?

You can use "a token garrison" to describe a small military force stationed in a particular location, often as a symbolic presence. For example: "The fort was defended by "a token garrison" of only fifty soldiers".

What's a situation where "a token garrison" might be deployed?

A "token garrison" might be deployed to maintain a minimal level of control in a relatively peaceful area, to signal a claim to territory, or when resources are stretched and only a small force can be spared.

What are some alternatives to saying "a token garrison"?

Alternatives include "a symbolic garrison", "a minimal garrison", or "a small detachment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a token garrison" to describe a large military force?

No, using "a token garrison" to describe a large military force would be inaccurate. The term specifically refers to a small, often symbolic, military presence. Using it otherwise would be misleading.