a war on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a war on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a campaign or effort against a particular issue, problem, or group. Example: "The government has declared a war on drugs to combat the rising addiction rates in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's a war on".

The New Yorker

Is there a war on women?

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a war on our doorstep.

Independent

There is a war on.

The New York Times

You'd think there was a war on.

Independent

A war on trolls could become a war on patent holders in general.

The New Yorker

"A war on women," she calls it.

The New York Times

They fight a war on terror.

The New York Times

Just like a war on terror.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, there is a war on.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a war on malaria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a war on" to describe sustained and comprehensive efforts targeting significant societal problems, but consider the connotations; the term can sometimes be perceived as overly aggressive or militaristic. Instead, consider alternative framings such as "campaign against" or "effort to combat" for a more nuanced approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a war on" for trivial or minor issues. This can dilute the impact and seriousness of the phrase when applied to genuinely critical problems. For example, "a war on clutter" trivializes the meaning.

Linguistic Context

A war on functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It serves to name or identify a specific campaign or effort, typically one that is extensive and determined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “a war on” is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a determined and sustained effort to combat a significant problem or issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is predominantly found in News & Media contexts, conveying a sense of urgency and seriousness. While effective in emphasizing the importance of addressing a particular issue, it's crucial to consider the connotations associated with the term and avoid overusing it in trivial contexts. Alternative phrases like “a campaign against” or “an effort to combat” can offer a more nuanced approach depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a campaign against

This alternative focuses on the planned and organized nature of the effort.

a fight against

This emphasizes the active and potentially contentious nature of the effort.

an offensive against

This suggests an aggressive and proactive approach to tackling the issue.

a crusade against

This implies a moral or ideological dimension to the effort.

an effort to combat

This focuses on the attempt to reduce or eliminate the issue.

a struggle to overcome

This emphasizes the difficulty and persistence required to address the issue.

a drive to eradicate

This suggests a determined effort to completely eliminate the issue.

measures to suppress

This highlights actions taken to restrain or control the issue.

the battle to defeat

This emphasizes a confrontational approach to overcoming the issue.

actions to counter

This refers to steps taken to oppose or neutralize the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a war on" to describe a determined effort to combat a specific problem. For example, "The government declared "a war on poverty"".

What are some alternatives to "a war on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a campaign against", "a fight against", or "an effort to combat".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a war on"?

It's appropriate when describing a large-scale, sustained effort to address a significant problem or issue. Consider whether the aggressive connotation fits the context.

What is the tone conveyed by the phrase "a war on"?

The phrase "a war on" conveys a sense of urgency, determination, and potentially aggressive action. It suggests that the issue is being taken very seriously and requires a forceful response. It can sometimes sound hyperbolic.