combats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "combats" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of fighting against or opposing something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The organization combats climate change through various initiatives and awareness campaigns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vests, combats, jeans, trainers/heels … I feel a little Dick Emery if I'm wearing a skirt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many of the problems had already been reported - not enough desert combats or boots, SA80 rifles jamming, Challenger tanks running out of air filters and the welfare package being patchy.

The Guardian

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has launched a coffee price war as it combats the sobering effect of supermarket competition on alcohol sales.

The Guardian - Business

The United Nations body that combats the blight, UNAIDS, says the virus has spread astonishingly fast, from less than 1% of South Africa's adults infected in 1990 to almost a quarter of them today.

The Economist

Ophelia is a clubber with a taste for loud music, and Horatio wears combats and trainers.

The Economist

Stephen Chukwumah, the executive director of the Improved Youth Health Initiative, which combats AIDS in Nigeria, expressed his dismay in an open letter to the government: "Gay people are going underground and, because of this, some of us who work in the field of sex and health education will not be able to reach out to them.

The Economist

Planted in 2000, City Hall's "green roof" reduces the amount of energy needed to cool the building in the summer; captures water during rainstorms, thus reducing the amount of water flowing into Chicago's already overtaxed sewers; and combats the urban "heat island" effect, which makes cities warmer than nearby rural areas.

The Economist

They might think we are spies sent by the government to arrest and jail them," wrote Stephen Chukwumah, executive director of the Improved Youth Health Initiative, which combats AIDS in Nigeria, in an open letter to the government.Many African countries are strengthening their democratic processes and follow increasingly progressive economic policies.

The Economist

The idea that T. gondii combats Alzheimer's is appealing.

The Economist

Midway through one of those staged combats, the actor-thug stops mauling his adversary, and turns his wrath on the referee instead.

The Economist

For one thing, it leaves open questions of when to walk away from oppressors like Mr Nazarbayev, who are prepared to oversee massacres of their countrymen to stay in power, and whether the incarceration of opponents by autocrats such as Mr Sisi fuels rather than combats extremism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "combats" in writing, ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being opposed or fought against. This enhances clarity and provides context, whether referring to physical conflict or abstract opposition.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "combats" in formal or business writing when simpler terms like "addresses" or "manages" would be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that aligns with the tone and formality of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "combats" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to plural instances of fighting or conflict. As a verb, it denotes the act of actively opposing or fighting against something, as validated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "combats" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb to describe opposition and struggle. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially within News & Media and Encyclopedias. While frequently employed, selecting synonyms such as "battles", "fights", or "counteracts" can enhance precision. When writing, ensuring the object of the struggle is clear will minimize ambiguity. Avoid overusing "combats" in overly formal settings to maintain an appropriate tone. Its prevalence in authoritative sources reinforces its acceptability in formal writing. The usage guidelines aim to ensure clarity and contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battles

Emphasizes physical or strategic engagements in conflict.

fights

Focuses on direct, often physical, confrontations.

struggles against

Highlights the effort and difficulty in opposing something.

wars against

Suggests a prolonged and significant conflict.

opposes

Indicates resistance or contradiction of a force or idea.

counteracts

Focuses on neutralizing or diminishing the effects of something.

tackles

Implies a direct and purposeful approach to dealing with a problem.

addresses

Suggests dealing with or discussing an issue or problem.

confronts

Highlights facing a challenge or opponent directly.

deals with

Indicates managing or handling a situation or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "combats" in a sentence?

You can use "combats" to describe actions taken against something, such as "The government combats poverty through job creation programs".

What are some alternatives to using "combats"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "battles", "fights", or "counteracts".

Is it correct to say "combats against"?

While "combats" already implies opposition, using "combats against" isn't grammatically wrong, but it can be redundant. Consider rephrasing to simply use "combats" followed by the object of opposition.

What's the difference between "combats" and "addresses"?

"Combats" suggests a more forceful opposition or struggle, while "addresses" implies dealing with or managing an issue. Use "combats" when emphasizing active resistance.