absence of war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition where there is no war occurring, often in discussions about peace or conflict resolution. Example: "The treaty aimed to establish an enduring absence of war in the region, fostering a climate of stability and cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Peace is not merely absence of war.

The Guardian

Peace doesn't mean absence of war.

The Guardian

"The absence of war is not peace".

The New York Times

In the absence of war, prosperity has flourished.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our victory is the very absence of war.

The Guardian

"Peace does not just mean an absence of war.

The Guardian

"America stands for more than the absence of war," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

In 1993, The Absence of War arrived as the dustcart after the lord mayor's show.

The Guardian

The Absence Of War brought him back to the National Theatre in 1993.

The Guardian

The plot of The Absence of War centres on a failure of eloquence.

The Guardian

Peace is not just the absence of war, but the defence of hard-won freedom.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or political scenarios, use "absence of war" to clearly denote a state where armed conflict is not occurring. This phrase avoids euphemisms and directly addresses the situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "absence of war" automatically equates to genuine peace. While it signifies the cessation of armed conflict, true peace involves addressing underlying social, economic, and political issues to prevent future hostilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of war" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, referring to the state of not being at war. Ludwig provides several examples where it's used to describe political and social conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of war" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a state where military conflict is not present. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to remember that "absence of war" does not automatically imply complete peace. It's a neutral to formal expression frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and academic discussions. Ludwig highlights its use in analyzing political situations and historical contexts. Consider the phrase's limitations and potential alternatives to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of peace

Focuses on the positive condition of peace rather than the lack of war.

lack of conflict

Emphasizes the absence of struggle or disagreement.

non-existence of warfare

Directly states that war is not present.

time of non-belligerence

Highlights a period without active warfare.

cessation of armed conflict

Emphasizes the stopping of military battles.

era of tranquility

Suggests a broad period of calm and harmony.

freedom from hostilities

Emphasizes release from acts of war or aggression.

peaceful coexistence

Suggests different entities living harmoniously without war.

period of detente

Refers to a relaxation of tension, especially between nations.

condition of amity

Highlights friendly relations and concord.

FAQs

What does the phrase "absence of war" mean?

The phrase "absence of war" refers to a situation or period where there is no active armed conflict or warfare taking place. It doesn't necessarily imply a state of complete peace or resolution of underlying issues, but rather the lack of current hostilities.

Is "absence of war" the same as peace?

No, "absence of war" is not necessarily the same as peace. While the "absence of war" indicates a lack of armed conflict, peace implies a more comprehensive state of harmony, justice, and well-being, addressing the root causes of potential conflicts.

What are some alternatives to "absence of war"?

Alternatives to "absence of war" include "state of peace", "lack of conflict", or "time of non-belligerence depending" on the specific context.

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

You can use "absence of war" in a sentence like this: "The treaty aimed to ensure an enduring "absence of war" in the region, fostering economic growth and stability."