a war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conflict between groups, nations, or factions, typically involving armed forces. Example: "The country has been engaged in a war for several years, leading to significant changes in its political landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a war.

The New York Times - Sports

A war would hurt.

The New York Times

There's a war on".

The New Yorker

Like a war zone".

The New Yorker

It's a war.

The New York Times

Mick's a war baby.

The New Yorker

It's not a war.

The New York Times

Everything was a war".

The New York Times - Sports

This isn't a war.

The New York Times

Or a war.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was a war.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a war" to refer to a specific conflict, distinguishing it from general concepts of conflict or warfare. For example, "a war against poverty" is distinct from discussions about war in general.

Common error

Avoid using "a war" when referring to a specific, well-known conflict, such as World War II. In such cases, "the war" is more appropriate. For example, say "the war in Vietnam" not "a war in Vietnam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a war" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in describing specific conflicts or struggles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a war" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that denotes a specific instance of armed conflict or intense struggle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Sports, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "a conflict" or "a battle" may be appropriate depending on the specific meaning, understanding the nuances of "a war" allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an armed conflict

Replaces "war" with a more formal term for military clashes.

a battle

Substitutes "war" with a term denoting a specific engagement or confrontation.

a conflict

Replaces "war" with a broader term indicating any form of struggle or dispute.

a struggle

Substitutes "war" with a term implying a difficult or prolonged effort against opposition.

an ongoing fight

Replaces "war" with a phrase emphasizing the continuous nature of the conflict.

a state of hostility

Replaces "war" with a formal expression indicating antagonistic relations.

an era of conflict

Replaces "war" to indicate a period characterized by frequent disputes and battles.

a period of warfare

Replaces "war" to emphasize the time frame of military engagements and battles.

an intense rivalry

Substitutes "war" with a phrase used to denote fierce competition or antagonism.

a clash of ideologies

Replaces "war" with a phrase emphasizing the conflict of beliefs or principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "a war" to refer to a specific instance of conflict, such as "The nation entered "a war" against its neighbor" or "The government declared "a war on drugs"".

What phrases can replace "a war" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a conflict", "a battle", or "an armed struggle".

Is there a difference between "a war" and "the war"?

"A war" refers to a specific, often unnamed conflict, while "the war" typically refers to a particular, well-known conflict that is understood by both the speaker and the audience. For instance, ""a war"" could describe any conflict, but "the war" might imply World War II if that's the clear context.

When is it appropriate to use "a war" versus "warfare"?

"A war" refers to a discrete event, while "warfare" describes the general activity or concept of war. For example, you might say "That country experienced "a war" in the 1990s" but discuss "the ethics of modern "warfare"".