at war

USAGE SUMMARY

"at war" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that two groups are in a state of open, armed conflict or hostility. Example: The two tribes have been at war for centuries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Skilled players are "at war with luck".

The Economist

We are at war.

Independent

UKRAINE is at war.

The Economist

We're not at war.

The New York Times

At War is collegial.

The New York Times

France was at war.

Independent

We were at war.

The New York Times

"My husband is at war".

The New York Times - Arts

But we are at war.

The New Yorker

Our nation is at war.

Independent

"We are not at war.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the conflict you wish to portray. While "at war" signifies a high level of hostility, phrases like "in conflict" or "in opposition" may be more appropriate for less severe situations.

Common error

Avoid using "at war" casually for minor disagreements or challenges. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create hyperbole, where phrases like "facing challenges" or "in disagreement" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at war" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of conflict or hostility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, exemplified in sentences like "France is "at war"" or "Our nation is "at war"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at war" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and its examples highlight its common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase can denote both literal military conflicts and metaphorical battles in business or personal spheres. When employing "at war", consider the intensity you wish to convey, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "in conflict" may be more suitable for milder disagreements. Remember that the phrase's primary function is to emphasize the seriousness of a contentious situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of war

Rephrases the original term to emphasize the condition or situation.

in hostilities

Formally describes active warfare or acts of aggression.

in combat

Emphasizes direct fighting or battle, implying a specific engagement.

locked in battle

Illustrates two opponents engaged in a physical or metaphorical struggle.

engaged in conflict

Highlights the active participation in a dispute or struggle.

in conflict

Indicates a state of disagreement or struggle, potentially less intense than open warfare.

fighting against

Expresses active resistance or opposition to something.

embroiled in conflict

Indicates being deeply involved in a contentious situation.

contending with

Suggests an ongoing effort to overcome difficulties or opposition.

in opposition

Suggests resistance or disagreement, but not necessarily violent confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "at war" in a sentence?

The phrase "at war" indicates a state of conflict. For example: "The two countries have been "at war" for decades", or, metaphorically, "The company was "at war" with its competitors".

What are some alternatives to saying "at war"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in conflict", "in opposition", or "engaged in hostilities" as alternatives to "at war".

Is it correct to use "at war" metaphorically?

Yes, "at war" can be used metaphorically to describe intense conflict in non-military contexts, such as business or personal relationships. However, ensure that the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "at war" and "in conflict"?

"At war" generally implies a more intense and sustained period of hostility, often involving armed conflict. "In conflict", on the other hand, can refer to a broader range of disagreements or struggles that may not necessarily involve violence or prolonged hostility.