are in combat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in combat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are actively engaged in fighting or conflict. Example: "The soldiers are in combat, facing the enemy forces head-on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Women are in combat.

The New Yorker

"There are, in combat operations, always going to be mistakes".

The New York Times

Marines don't get a pass on doing the right thing because they are in combat.

The New York Times

No red-blooded conservative will touch defence expenditure at a time when America's troops are in combat and the country faces toner-wielding terrorists and a rising China.

The Economist

But women are in combat, and they've always been in combat, since the American Revolutionary War – the entire history of our country".

The New York Times

They seem to be in a rage; they act as if they are in combat rather than going from point A to point B. VIRGINIA OVERHOLSER Paterson, N.J., Aug. 15, 2003.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

No one would be "in combat".

The Guardian - Opinion

It's like being in combat.

The New York Times - Sports

Have you ever been in combat?

The New York Times

"You've been in combat before, right?" he asked me.

The New York Times

And more than 80 percent had never been in combat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military operations or conflicts, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Are in combat" is a direct and clear way to indicate active engagement in fighting, but alternatives might better emphasize the intensity, location, or scale of the conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "are in combat" when describing situations that involve disagreement or competition, but not physical conflict. While the phrase can sometimes be used metaphorically, it is most appropriate for situations involving actual warfare or armed conflict. For less severe disagreement consider alternatives like "are in disagreement" or "are in competition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in combat" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that individuals or groups are actively participating in armed conflict. Ludwig AI shows that it is frequently used to describe the situation of soldiers or military units.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are in combat" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe active participation in armed conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, conveying information about ongoing warfare. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is frequently used in news and media, although it also appears in other contexts such as Wiki. While straightforward, using alternative phrases like "are engaged in warfare" or "are actively fighting" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to reserve "are in combat" for situations involving genuine physical conflict, avoiding its misuse in metaphorical contexts. The usage of "are in combat" is supported by numerous authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are engaged in warfare

Replaces "combat" with the more formal "warfare", slightly elevating the formality.

are actively fighting

Focuses on the action of fighting, highlighting the ongoing nature of the conflict.

are facing enemy forces

Emphasizes the confrontation with an opposing force, adding a sense of direct opposition.

are involved in hostilities

Substitutes "combat" with the broader term "hostilities", covering a wider range of conflict scenarios.

are under fire

Highlights the experience of being attacked, emphasizing the danger of the situation.

are locked in battle

Suggests a more intense and prolonged engagement, emphasizing the commitment to the fight.

are waging war

Implies a larger-scale conflict, suggesting a sustained effort to achieve a specific objective.

are on the front lines

Highlights the physical location of the conflict, placing emphasis on being at the most dangerous place.

are seeing action

Uses a more general term for combat, implying participation in military operations.

are struggling against

Broader meaning including also non-military actions or conflict.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says troops "are in combat"?

When troops "are in combat", it means they are actively engaged in fighting during a military operation or war. The phrase indicates that soldiers are facing enemy forces and are involved in armed conflict.

What can I say instead of "are in combat"?

You can use alternatives like "are engaged in warfare", "are actively fighting", or "are facing enemy forces" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say civilians "are in combat"?

The phrase "are in combat" is typically used to describe the actions of military personnel. While civilians can be affected by combat, it's more accurate to say they "are caught in the crossfire" or "are affected by the conflict".

How formal is the phrase "are in combat"?

The phrase "are in combat" is relatively neutral in tone and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, military briefings, and general discussions about warfare.