belligerent posture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belligerent posture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an aggressive or hostile attitude or stance, often in a political or military context. Example: "The country's belligerent posture towards its neighbors has raised concerns about potential conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A switch to a more belligerent posture was regarded as the price of his immediate return.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the supercilious attitude and the belligerent posture of his manipulative media and military boys, if Xi doesn't attack, he loses face -- the world will laugh at him.

Yale University

In fact, it was Kennedy's more belligerent posture, and not his willingness to compromise, that moved Khrushchev to begin the process of negotiation.

The Washington Post

These commentators share another common view: long-standing support for a more belligerent posture toward Iran, including military confrontation, regime change, or both.

The New Yorker

For example, if he gave parole to Mikhail Khodorkovsky, an oligarch imprisoned without even a pretence at a fair trial, dropped Russia's belligerent posture towards Georgia, began to open up state-run television to alternative voices, and initiated a crackdown on corruption, then it would be right to respond in a friendly fashion.

The Economist

The uncertainty over the planning coincides with recent hard-line rhetoric from Pyongyang that has led the White House to fear that Kim, after a burst of diplomatic outreach, is reverting to the regime's usual antagonistic and belligerent posture to gain leverage in the talks or to lay the groundwork to pull out.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Nonetheless, the United States, which is still the most powerful nation in the Pacific, should resist the temptation of belligerent posturing when it isn't strictly necessary.

The New Yorker

A mix of belligerent posturing and over-reaction to provocation was heavily driven by the Pentagon's military-industrial complex, with Nato trotting along behind.

The Guardian - Opinion

They say it is a short-term ploy meant to keep North Korea's weapons programs and its often belligerent posturing from becoming campaign issues in important legislative elections in South Korea in April, and in the United States presidential election in November.

The New York Times

Scenes fly by: a haka dance of belligerent posturing; locker-room banter that shows its comedy and callousness as well as the vulnerability it covers; an increasingly upsetting litany of the everyday sexism the women have experienced; a brashly comic quiz show with a man-hater, a control-freak and a mansplainer as contestants.

The Guardian

The center's mission was to "train volunteers in revolutionary warfare from all over the world," according to a 1999 book by Stephen Ellis of the African Studies Center, in Leiden, the Netherlands, in keeping with Colonel Qaddafi's belligerent anti-Western posture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing international relations or political strategies, use "belligerent posture" to accurately convey an aggressive and potentially hostile stance. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "belligerent posture" when a situation involves mere disagreement or competition. This phrase implies a high level of aggression and readiness for conflict, which may not always be appropriate. Consider using milder terms like "assertive stance" or "firm position" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "belligerent posture" is as a noun phrase that describes a specific kind of stance or attitude. This is confirmed by Ludwig, where examples show it modifying subjects in sentences, like "Russia's belligerent posture" or "Kennedy's more belligerent posture".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belligerent posture" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an aggressive or hostile attitude, often in political or military contexts. As noted by Ludwig, it accurately conveys a state of readiness for conflict. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news media and academic writing. Alternative phrases include "aggressive stance" and "hostile attitude", offering nuanced variations in meaning. When using "belligerent posture", it's important to ensure the described situation warrants such a strong term, avoiding overstatement. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for professional and analytical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive stance

Focuses on the aggressive nature of the position or attitude, highlighting a proactive approach to confrontation.

hostile attitude

Emphasizes the animosity and unfriendliness conveyed by the behavior or position.

combative demeanor

Highlights the readiness to fight or argue, focusing on the person's behavior.

warlike manner

Suggests behavior reminiscent of actual warfare, indicating a strong inclination towards conflict.

militant position

Implies a strong, unwavering, and potentially forceful stance on a particular issue.

antagonistic approach

Highlights the act of actively opposing or showing hostility towards someone or something.

confrontational attitude

Focuses on the direct and often aggressive opposition to others' views or actions.

pugnacious disposition

Emphasizes a natural inclination to fight or argue, suggesting an inherent trait.

truculent behavior

Highlights the harsh, defiant, and aggressive nature of the conduct.

hawkish stance

Indicates a preference for aggressive or warlike policies, often in foreign relations.

FAQs

How to use "belligerent posture" in a sentence?

You can use "belligerent posture" to describe an entity's aggressive stance in political or military contexts. For example: "The country's "belligerent posture" toward its neighbors raised concerns."

What can I say instead of "belligerent posture"?

Alternatives include "aggressive stance", "hostile attitude", or "combative demeanor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "belligerent posture" or "belligerent attitude"?

Both "belligerent posture" and "belligerent attitude" are grammatically correct. "Belligerent posture" often refers to a more visible or outward display of aggression, while "belligerent attitude" describes an internal state of hostility.

What's the difference between "belligerent posture" and "aggressive stance"?

"Belligerent posture" suggests a readiness for conflict or war, while "aggressive stance" can describe a more general assertive or competitive approach that does not necessarily imply imminent conflict.