all out war

USAGE SUMMARY

"all out war" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which two sides are engaged in all-out battle, using all available resources. Example sentence: With both sides now arming themselves to the teeth, it looks like all out war is inevitable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nobody dies quietly in an all out war.

TechCrunch

"It's all out war," the headline blared.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Regardless, it is now all-out war.

The New York Times

Finally it's all-out war.

The New York Times

This would mean all-out war.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is like an all-out war".

The New York Times

On campus, it was all-out war.

The New York Times

"It's all-out war now," Gavin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"There is no all-out war.

The New York Times

Is an all-out war what we're trying for?

The New Yorker

The local dispute came close to all-out war.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all out war" when there are a large scale and long lasting conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "all out war" to describe minor disagreements or temporary conflicts. This phrase implies a severe, sustained, and resource-intensive battle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all out war" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing intense conflicts. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from international relations to business competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all out war" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a conflict characterized by maximum intensity, resource allocation, and commitment. Ludwig AI verifies its correct usage across various contexts, from geopolitical conflicts to business rivalries. While the phrase is most common in news and media, it also appears in academic and formal writing. Related phrases include "total war" and "full-scale war", each carrying a similar connotation of comprehensive conflict. When using "all out war", be mindful of the intensity it conveys, reserving it for situations where the scale and commitment justify such strong language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all-out conflict

Changes war to conflict which can be apply to other different situations.

total war

Implies a conflict involving all resources and population.

full-scale war

Emphasizes the extensive scale and scope of the war.

outright war

Highlights the direct and overt nature of the conflict.

unrestricted warfare

Focuses on the absence of limitations or rules in the conflict.

all-consuming conflict

Emphasizes the pervasive and engulfing nature of the struggle.

fierce battle

Highlights the intensity and vigor of the confrontation.

intense struggle

Focuses on the high level of effort and determination involved.

major confrontation

Suggests a significant and impactful clash.

open hostilities

Highlights the overt and undisguised nature of the conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "all out war" to describe intense conflicts where all available resources are employed. For example, "The company declared "all out war" on its competitors by slashing prices and launching aggressive marketing campaigns."

What phrases are similar to "all out war"?

Similar phrases include "total war", "full-scale war", and "outright war". Each suggests a complete commitment to conflict.

Is "all out war" appropriate for describing business competition?

While "all out war" is often used in the context of physical conflicts, it can be metaphorically applied to business to describe extremely aggressive and competitive situations. Just be mindful of potential overstatement.

What's the difference between "all out war" and "skirmish"?

"All out war" implies a comprehensive and sustained conflict, whereas "skirmish" refers to a brief and often unplanned encounter. An "all out war" involves significant resources and long-term commitment, while a skirmish is usually a minor, isolated incident.