an enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an enemy' is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to someone with whom you are in opposition or competition, or a hostile force you are fighting. For example, "The army was forced to retreat from the enemy's territory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An ally is better than an enemy.

WikiHow

Once an enemy, always an enemy.

The Economist

They invented an enemy.

The New Yorker

Or at least an enemy.

The New Yorker

He hadn't invented an enemy.

The New Yorker

It is not an enemy".

The New Yorker

To style, it's an enemy.

The New York Times

Not as an enemy.

The Guardian

"Criticism is an enemy.

The New York Times

Must have an enemy".

The New Yorker

"He's an enemy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "an enemy" to describe something abstract, ensure that the connection to the adversarial role is clear. For instance, "procrastination is an enemy of productivity" effectively conveys the negative impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an enemy" too loosely for minor inconveniences. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for genuinely significant oppositions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an enemy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a person, group, or thing that is antagonistic or hostile. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an enemy" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to an opposing force, individual, or concept. As Ludwig's examples indicate, it is frequently found in news and wiki contexts. While generally neutral in register, its impact is greatest when reserved for significant oppositions, and, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and perfectly usable in written English. Be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey, considering synonyms like "a foe" or "an adversary" for more formal contexts, or "a rival" for competitive scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foe

Replaces "enemy" with a more formal and literary term, "foe".

an adversary

Substitutes "enemy" with "adversary", indicating an opponent in a contest or conflict.

a rival

Replaces "enemy" with "rival", suggesting a competitor in a business or personal context.

an opponent

Uses "opponent" instead of "enemy", implying someone you are competing against.

a combatant

Substitutes "enemy" with "combatant", referring to someone engaged in fighting.

a threat

Replaces "enemy" with "threat", highlighting the potential danger posed.

a nemesis

Uses "nemesis" instead of "enemy", implying a long-standing and significant rival.

a challenger

Replaces "enemy" with "challenger", suggesting someone who contests your position.

a detractor

Substitutes "enemy" with "detractor", emphasizing someone who criticizes or belittles.

a hostile force

Replaces "an enemy" with "a hostile force", specifying a group acting with hostility.

FAQs

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

You can use "an enemy" to refer to a person, group, or abstract concept that opposes you. For instance, "The invading army considered the local population "an enemy"" or "For the athlete, self-doubt was "an enemy" to overcome".

What phrases are similar to "an enemy"?

Similar phrases include "a foe", "an adversary", "a rival", or "an opponent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "an enemy" to describe an abstract concept?

Yes, you can use "an enemy" metaphorically to describe an abstract concept that hinders progress or causes harm. For example, "ignorance is "an enemy" of progress".

What's the difference between "an enemy" and "a rival"?

"An enemy" typically implies hostility or antagonism, while "a rival" suggests competition. You might have a rival in business but not consider them "an enemy" unless there is active animosity.