battle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "battle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing conflicts, competitions, or struggles, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The team faced a tough battle against their rivals in the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps even more worrying to Mr. Assad, his military has come to rely more heavily on equipment designed for a major battle with a foreign enemy, namely Israel, rather than a protracted civil conflict with his own people.

The New York Times

They trust this man to lead them into the biggest battle yet to come, the 2015 election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some used the old white supremacist scare tactic of waving Confederate battle flags in front of the home of a black family – in this case, the White House.

The Guardian - Opinion

With this legislation pending, as well as a presidential campaign and an ongoing battle to reform the NSA, it doesn't seem likely that Paul is ready to follow in Gravel's footsteps.

The Guardian

"The irony is," says Rachel, "that the battle wasn't at all glorious: it was a failure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: Le Pen family feud is a battle for the soul of the Front National – and France In an interview with the centre-right Le Figaro newspaper on Monday, Le Pen, who had threatened to leave the political ring "only at the end of the bout, whether victor or vanquished", seemed almost conciliatory as he said he would withdraw his candidature to avoid further damage to the party.

The Guardian

"For as long as God gives me life, I will remain in my place at the battle stations," he wrote.

The Guardian

The battle lines are being drawn – in and outside Greece.

The Guardian

Still, the latest judicial document in the ongoing battle, a 337-page justification of the most recent convictions made public on Tuesday, marks a new low.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whatever the outcome, the battle will surely be very divisive in the country and may well propel Scotland out of the UK.

The Guardian

Labour is facing a desperate battle to stop a Scottish National party landslide after a poll showed the SNP had a clear but weaker lead across Labour constituencies in Scotland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "battle" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the struggle. For example, "the battle against cancer" is a clear and common usage.

Common error

While "battle" is a versatile word, avoid using it excessively in everyday conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "challenge" or "issue" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "battle" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it denotes a physical fight or a metaphorical struggle. As a verb, it means to engage in a fight or struggle. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "battle" is a versatile term used to describe both physical and metaphorical conflicts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific tone can vary depending on the situation. When using "battle", consider alternatives like "struggle", "conflict", or "combat" to add nuance to your writing and avoid overuse. Remember that while "battle" is acceptable for metaphorical struggles, more informal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "challenge" or "issue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

combat

Refers more directly to physical fighting or armed conflict.

struggle

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in overcoming obstacles.

conflict

Emphasizes the clash of opposing forces or ideas.

clash

Suggests a brief but intense confrontation.

contest

Focuses on the competitive aspect of the situation.

campaign

Implies a planned series of actions to achieve a specific goal.

feud

Denotes a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute.

war

Implies a large-scale armed conflict between nations or groups.

skirmish

Suggests a minor fight or encounter.

rivalry

Highlights the competitive relationship between individuals or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "battle" in a sentence?

You can use "battle" to describe a physical fight, such as "The "battle of Hastings"", or a metaphorical struggle, like "the "battle against poverty"".

What are some synonyms for "battle"?

Synonyms for "battle" include "struggle", "conflict", "combat", and "fight". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "battle" to describe a non-physical conflict?

Yes, "battle" can be used metaphorically to describe any kind of struggle or conflict, such as "the "battle for equality"".

What is the difference between "battle" and "war"?

"Battle" typically refers to a specific engagement or encounter, while "war" refers to a larger, more prolonged conflict consisting of multiple battles and other forms of aggression.