an armed conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an armed conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where there is active fighting between organized groups, typically involving military forces. Example: "The region has been plagued by an armed conflict that has lasted for several years, causing significant humanitarian issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When, though, is an armed conflict "significant"?

The New York Times

Killings may be lawful in an armed conflict [such as Afghanistan] but many targeted killings take place far from areas where it's recognised as being an armed conflict".

The Guardian

The United States is engaged in an armed conflict with Al Qaeda, not all Muslim extremists.

The New York Times

Protests in Syria began soon after the Libyan crisis turned into an armed conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One cannot start an armed conflict in the age of nuclear weapons because of some Mariupol!

The Guardian

That's not to say there is any possibility of an armed conflict.

The Guardian

But two years later the government had collapsed and the two parties began an armed conflict.

The Guardian

"There is an armed conflict going on, they don't have control of bits of their territory.

The Guardian

They said that an armed conflict between the north and south would primarily affect Korean civilians.

The New York Times

"We are not at war with Egypt… We are in an armed conflict".

The Guardian

Syria is not witnessing a battle for democracy, but an armed conflict between government and opposition in a multireligious country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "an armed conflict", be specific about the parties involved, the location, and the duration of the conflict to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an armed conflict" as a vague term. Instead, provide specific details such as the nature of the conflict (e.g. civil war, international war), the weapons used, and the impact on civilians.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an armed conflict" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it identifies a specific situation characterized by active and organized violence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an armed conflict" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation of warfare or organized violence. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral, it's important to use it with specificity, detailing the parties involved and the nature of the conflict to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "military confrontation" or "state of war" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violent conflict

Emphasizes the presence of violence in the conflict.

combat situation

Focuses specifically on active fighting and warfare.

military confrontation

Replaces "conflict" with "confrontation", suggesting a direct and often face-to-face engagement.

state of war

Indicates a formal or recognized condition of warfare between entities.

warlike situation

Focuses on the state of affairs being conducive to war.

military hostilities

Replaces "conflict" with the more formal term "hostilities", emphasizing military actions.

hostile engagement

Emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the interaction.

outbreak of war

Highlights the commencement or sudden start of a war.

belligerent interaction

Highlights the aggressive and combative nature of the exchange.

military campaign

Suggests a more organized and strategic series of military operations.

FAQs

What is another way to say "an armed conflict"?

You can use alternatives like "military confrontation", "violent conflict", or "state of war", depending on the context.

How does "an armed conflict" differ from a war?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "an armed conflict" can refer to a broader range of hostilities, whereas 'war' often implies a formal declaration or sustained large-scale conflict. A "military confrontation" might be a more specific term.

What legal implications arise during "an armed conflict"?

During "an armed conflict", international humanitarian law applies, governing the conduct of hostilities, the treatment of prisoners of war, and the protection of civilians. Understanding these laws is crucial for all parties involved.

What are some common causes of "an armed conflict"?

Common causes of "an armed conflict" include territorial disputes, ideological differences, economic competition, and ethnic or religious tensions. These factors can escalate into violent confrontations if not addressed through diplomacy and negotiation.