by foreign forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by foreign forces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or event is carried out or influenced by entities from another country. Example: "The region was destabilized by foreign forces, leading to widespread unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He especially hates raids on Afghan homes by foreign forces.

The Economist

Mr. Karzai has repeatedly demanded in speeches that night raids by foreign forces should end.

The New York Times

The result has been a dramatic drop in civilian casualties caused by foreign forces.

The New York Times

"Throughout history, insurgencies have seldom been defeated by foreign forces," General Allen said.

The New York Times

There, too, it would blame unrest on a tiny resistance manipulated by foreign forces.

The Economist

He said the shots were fired "by foreign forces" inside the base.

The New York Times

The opposition, stimulated by foreign forces, won over some old counsellors of the King.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greek officials are greatly worried about the use of arms by foreign forces.

The New York Times

He said that the military operation was neither an interference in Libya's internal affairs nor an "occupation by foreign forces".

Independent

And increasingly in recent days, each side has sought to depict the other as sustained by foreign forces.

The New York Times

But when demonstrations erupted, they were told that the protesters were "terrorists" or "armed gangs" sponsored by foreign forces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by foreign forces", ensure the context clearly defines which forces are being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "by foreign forces" without specifying the nationality or affiliation of the forces involved. Provide specific details to avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by foreign forces" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the agent or means by which an action is performed or a state is brought about. As per Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by foreign forces" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote actions or influences exerted by entities from another country. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is correct and widespread, particularly in news and media reporting. While alternatives such as "through external military" or "via international intervention" exist, they often carry slightly different nuances. When employing "by foreign forces", clarity is key; ensure that the specific forces being referenced are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its suitability for neutral and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through external military

Focuses more specifically on military action and omits the broader sense of 'forces'.

due to overseas armies

Emphasizes the army component and their overseas origin.

by international coalition

More specific, referring to a group of nations acting together.

via international intervention

Highlights the aspect of intervention rather than the forces themselves.

at the hands of international troops

Focuses on the direct action and responsibility of the troops.

under the control of occupying armies

Emphasizes the control exerted by the armies.

under external occupation

Highlights the state of being occupied rather than the forces.

through foreign intervention

Focuses solely on the act of intervention, removing the direct mention of forces.

with the help of international powers

Shifts the focus to assistance provided by foreign entities.

resulting from interventions abroad

Focuses on the consequences of interventions from other countries.

FAQs

How can I use "by foreign forces" in a sentence?

You can use "by foreign forces" to describe actions or influences exerted by military or other entities from another country. For example, "The unrest was blamed on interference "by foreign forces"."

What are some alternatives to saying "by foreign forces"?

Alternatives include phrases like "through external military", "via international intervention", or "due to overseas armies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "by foreign forces" and "foreign intervention"?

"By foreign forces" typically refers to the direct actions or presence of military or other armed groups from another country. "Foreign intervention" is a broader term that encompasses any form of interference by one country in the affairs of another, not necessarily involving military force.

Is it correct to use "by foreign forces" in both formal and informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "by foreign forces" is more commonly found in neutral or formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and official statements. In informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.