conscription

USAGE SUMMARY

"conscription" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of collecting people into the armed forces or civil services by a certain selection process, usually through lotteries or drafts. For example, "During the Second World War, many young men were conscripted into the military."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Problem: Abducted and forced into conscription by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), over 25,000 Ugandan children were pushed into violent atrocities during a civil war that lasted 22 years, often killing their own families.

The Guardian

A far greater betrayal came in the form of Joy Harnden, another spy in my organisation, the End Conscription Campaign.

The Guardian

In Israel, thanks to conscription, most job applicants have tackled real obstacle courses.In this section Trouble ahead Middle Kingdom meets Magic Kingdom Waiting for a wave Where are you?

The Economist

Taiwanese policymakers claim that it is therefore harder to pay for a professional army (which, in the long run, is more cost-efficient than conscription, however).

The Economist

Now, his fate and the bullying that is common in conscript armies may only deter Taiwanese all the more from joining up voluntarily.Taiwan's plans to abolish conscription by 2015 come at a time of concerns about defence spending's dwindling share.

The Economist

Meanwhile the DPP, which used to oppose conscription, has changed its mind.As well as voicing concerns about the army, this week's protests also had an economic dimension.

The Economist

For decades the CDU favoured military conscription.

The Economist

In his first ten days alone, governing as a duumvirate with his deputy, he crossed off well over half of his to-do list: got Australia's last troops out of Vietnam, ended conscription, and set up commissions to look into school funding, equal pay and aboriginal land rights.

The Economist

In 1943 he served time in jail for refusing military conscription in protest against the allied bombing of German cities.

The Economist

At that time Mayans, in addition to the destruction of whole villages, and sometimes of their occupants too, endured mass displacement (to Mexico in the north, or to the cities), rape and conscription into civil militias.

The Economist

Given the Kremlin's overwhelming domestic support and the ease with which it gets what it wants from the outside world, it is tempting to hope that it might start taking things a bit easier.Two new troubling tactics against troublemakers are the abuse of psychiatric incarceration most recently against an opposition leader in Mari El; and the use of the draft against men of conscription age.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "conscription", clarify the specific context (military, civil) and the reasons behind it to avoid ambiguity. For example, "conscription" during wartime versus peacetime can have different implications.

Common error

Avoid using "conscription" as a universal term for all forms of mandatory service. Specify the type of service (military, civil) and the legal framework involved. Not all countries have the same rules or systems.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conscription" is that of a noun. It refers to the act or system of compelling people to serve in the military or other national service. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conscription" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to the mandatory enrollment of individuals into military or civil service. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and relevance, with examples primarily drawn from News & Media sources. While "conscription" itself is a neutral term, it often carries political and ethical implications depending on the context. Alternatives like "military draft" or "mandatory military service" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to specify the type of service and legal context when using this term to avoid ambiguity. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources make it a reliable term for discussing compulsory service.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

military draft

Refers specifically to the mandatory recruitment for military service.

drafting

Short form referring to the act of forcing someone into service.

mandatory military service

Emphasizes the obligatory nature of serving in the armed forces.

compulsory service

Highlights the legally required nature of the service.

forced enlistment

Highlights the involuntary aspect of joining the military.

involuntary recruitment

Focuses on the lack of choice in being recruited.

selective service

Focuses on a system where individuals are chosen for military duty.

call-up

Refers to the official order to report for military service.

national service

Broader term encompassing mandatory service, not necessarily military.

levée en masse

Historical term for mass conscription, especially during the French Revolution.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "conscription"?

"Conscription" refers to mandatory enrollment of people into military or civil service.

What are some alternatives to the word "conscription"?

You can use alternatives such as "military draft", "mandatory military service", or "forced enlistment" depending on the context.

Is "conscription" the same as "enlistment"?

No, "conscription" is mandatory, while "enlistment" is voluntary. They are opposite concepts in the context of military service.

What is the historical context of "conscription"?

"Conscription" has been used in various forms throughout history, notably during times of war to build large armies quickly. For example, the "levée en masse" during the French Revolution.