combat against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combat against" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a struggle against an enemy or a force in order to gain victory. For example, "The troops prepared for a long and difficult combat against their opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Israel must be in the forefront of any combat against racism.

The Economist

Mr Obama wants Congress to approve combat against IS for up to three years.

The Economist

At no moment did these groups try to engage in combat against us".

The Guardian

But so are outdated submarines and jet fighters designed for combat against the defunct Soviet threat.

The New York Times

Until the Samarra attack, Iraqi troops had not done well in combat against insurgents.

The New York Times

Combat against Al Qaeda has been fierce, according to several of those who fought the battles.

The New York Times

Nixon snaps at Kissinger for the nonstop bureaucratic combat against Rogers.

The New Yorker

"All the language has been hijacked by people we're in mortal combat against," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Senator Johnson of yesterday in combat against Doe is not the Senator Johnson now.

The Guardian

But when the series shifted its focus from suspense to all-out combat against dark forces, it foundered.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Golez also said that the advisers would not be involved in combat against the Abu Sayyaf militants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "combat against", ensure that the context clearly defines the entity or issue being opposed. Using stronger verbs like 'eradicate' or 'defeat' can sometimes provide more impact.

Common error

While "combat against" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "counteract" or "mitigate" to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combat against" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an active and often prolonged effort to oppose or resist something. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various contexts, confirming its role in expressing active opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "combat against" is a correct and very common way to describe efforts to oppose or resist something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread usage, especially in News & Media and Science. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more nuanced alternatives in highly formal contexts. Remember that precise language always strengthens your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fight against

Emphasizes the active struggle or battle against something.

Struggle against

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in opposing something.

Battle against

Suggests a more intense and decisive confrontation.

War against

Implies a prolonged and large-scale conflict.

Campaign against

Indicates an organized and sustained effort to achieve a specific goal.

Contend against

Suggests facing and dealing with challenges or opposition.

Tackle

Focuses on addressing or dealing with a problem directly.

Oppose

Emphasizes resistance or disagreement.

Resist

Highlights the act of withstanding or preventing something.

Counteract

Focuses on neutralizing or offsetting the effects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "combat against" in a sentence?

You can use "combat against" to describe active efforts to resist or fight something. For example, "The government initiated a program to combat against poverty."

What are some alternatives to "combat against"?

Alternatives include "fight against", "struggle against", or "battle against", depending on the intensity and context of the opposition.

Is "combat against" formal or informal?

The phrase "combat against" is considered neutral to slightly formal and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, but more formal alternatives like "counteract" may be preferable in certain situations.

What is the difference between "combat against" and "fighting against"?

While similar, "combat against" often implies a more organized or strategic effort, whereas "fighting against" can refer to more general opposition.