aide-de-camp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aide-de-camp" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a military officer who acts as a personal assistant to a senior officer, often in a ceremonial or official capacity. Example: "The general was accompanied by his aide-de-camp during the official ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Muzzey adopted Scott as an unofficial aide-de-camp.

The New York Times

Puck, Oberon's aide-de-camp, can be a supporting role.

The New York Times - Arts

In many countries, the word adjutant is used for aide-de-camp and adjutant general for a royal aide-de-camp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1801 President Jefferson asked Lewis to be his personal secretary and aide-de-camp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aide-de-Camp to General J. F. Ryan during the war.

The New Yorker

Entering the army at 17, Marbot was aide-de-camp successively to three of Napoleon's generals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Times described Rand as his father's "aide-de-camp" in the campaign.

The New Yorker

The aide-de-camp was mortally wounded and died soon afterwards.

The New York Times

Medical: Gunshot wounds to the head and shoulder, perpetrated by his own aide-de-camp.

The New Yorker

He always had his A.D.C.," his aide-de-camp, "with him.

The New York Times

Named aide-de-camp to Napoleon in 1804, he further distinguished himself during the Austrian campaign.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "aide-de-camp", consider your audience. If they are unfamiliar with military terminology, a more straightforward term like "military assistant" may be clearer.

Common error

Avoid using "aide-de-camp" interchangeably with terms like "orderly" or "batman", which refer to lower-ranking servants rather than officers acting as assistants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aide-de-camp" functions as a noun, typically used to identify a military officer serving as a personal assistant to a higher-ranking officer. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

28%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "aide-de-camp" refers to a military officer acting as a personal assistant to a senior officer. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While common, especially in historical and military contexts, it's advisable to consider your audience and choose a more familiar term like "military assistant" if clarity is needed. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. Avoid confusing it with terms like "orderly". Consider alternatives like "adjutant", or "military assistant".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjutant

A synonym that is often used in military contexts, though it can have a slightly broader meaning.

military assistant

Replaces the term with a more general description of the role's function within a military context.

personal assistant to a general

Specifies the type of assistant and their superior's rank, clarifying the relationship.

right-hand man

An idiomatic expression for a trusted and indispensable assistant.

confidential assistant

Emphasizes the trust and discretion required in the role.

chief of staff

Indicates a higher level of responsibility, often involving strategic planning and management.

military secretary

Focuses on the secretarial aspect of the role, managing correspondence and documentation.

executive officer

Highlights the executive duties of the role, focusing on implementing decisions and managing operations.

staff officer

A broader term for an officer who provides support and advice to a commander.

lieutenant

A military rank; may serve as an aide-de-camp.

FAQs

How is "aide-de-camp" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "aide-de-camp" is used to describe a military officer acting as a personal assistant to a senior officer. For example: "The general was accompanied by his "aide-de-camp" during the inspection."

What are some alternatives to the term "aide-de-camp"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "military assistant", "adjutant", or "personal aide".

What is the difference between an "aide-de-camp" and a "chief of staff"?

An "aide-de-camp" typically provides direct assistance to a high-ranking officer, whereas a "chief of staff" is responsible for managing an organization's operations and personnel.

Is it appropriate to use "aide-de-camp" in non-military contexts?

While "aide-de-camp" is primarily a military term, it can be used metaphorically to describe someone who provides close assistance to a leader or prominent figure in other fields. However, ensure the context is appropriate to avoid sounding overly formal or out of place.