an army

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an army" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large group of soldiers organized for military purposes or metaphorically to describe a large number of people or things working together towards a common goal. Example: "The country mobilized an army to defend its borders against the invasion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not an army.

The New Yorker

It's not an Army issue".

The New Yorker

He is an army sergeant.

The Economist

"It was like an army".

The New York Times

(5) They're an army, man.

The Guardian - Music

Four banners indicate an army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Written cold as an army operates".

The New York Times - Books

Herschel's father was an army musician.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Nevsky led an army against them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She did away with an army completely.

Independent

Suddenly you were an Army wife.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs when describing the actions of "an army" to emphasize their impact. Use action verbs such as 'marched', 'fought', or 'defended' to create a more vivid and impactful image.

Common error

Avoid using "an army" in contexts where a simpler, more direct noun would suffice. Overusing the metaphor can weaken your writing and make it sound unnecessarily dramatic. A more direct description will keep your writing clear and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an army" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where "an army" denotes a large, organized group, either literally or metaphorically. It typically refers to a military force or a vast collective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an army" is a common noun phrase widely used both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly refers to a large, organized group. Its frequent presence in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources reflects its versatility and broad applicability. While grammatically straightforward, remember to use it deliberately, avoiding overuse of the metaphor to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "a military force" or "a legion of soldiers" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively wield "an army" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a military force

Focuses on the organized and official nature of the armed forces, implying structure and state authority.

a legion of soldiers

Emphasizes a large number of soldiers, often associated with historical Roman military units.

a troop of combatants

Highlights the combat-oriented aspect of the group, referring to those actively engaged in fighting.

a battalion of fighters

Refers to a specific military unit, often smaller than an army, but still a significant fighting force.

a multitude of warriors

Stresses the large number of fighters and their combative skills or role.

a division of troops

Indicates a substantial military formation, part of a larger army, organized for tactical purposes.

a squadron of soldiers

Specifies a smaller military unit, typically used in naval or air forces.

a host of combatants

Implies a large and organized group ready for engagement in battle.

a company of servicemen

Refers to a smaller, specific unit within an army, highlighting those who serve in the military.

a force of fighters

General term indicating a group assembled and trained for combat operations.

FAQs

How can I use "an army" in a sentence?

You can use "an army" to refer to a large group of soldiers, as in "The general commanded "an army" of thousands." It can also be used metaphorically to describe a large number of people or things, for example, "An army of volunteers helped clean up the park".

What are some alternatives to "an army"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a military force", "a legion of soldiers", or "a troop of combatants".

Is it correct to say "a army" instead of "an army"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct form is "an army" because "army" begins with a vowel sound, and the article "an" is used before vowel sounds.

When should I use "an army" metaphorically?

Use "an army" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the large size and coordinated effort of a group, similar to a real army. Ensure the context makes the metaphorical use clear and effective. For example, "An army of supporters rallied behind the candidate."