during active service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during active service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the time period when someone is actively serving in a military or similar capacity. Example: "The benefits provided to veterans are often based on their experiences during active service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now we are to recognise how his realistic fears during active service fuel his deeper fears about other races.

The Guardian - Books

To generate insights into the personal meaning and value of an inclusive adventurous training and adapted sport course for military personnel who have experienced physical disability as a result of injuries sustained during active service.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

All of the interviews are with veterans who have left the Armed Forces, many of whom were wounded during active service.

BBC

After his experiences during active service you would imagine life as a professional bobsleigher would have been light relief - not so according to Deen.

BBC

Former soldiers who lost limbs during active service will be guaranteed the most up-to-date prosthetic limbs available after the government announced a £6.5m funding boost.

BBC

'Bionic legs' for military amputees Jump to media player Former soldiers who lost limbs during active service will be guaranteed the most up-to-date prosthetic limbs available after the government announced a funding boost of £6.5m.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The killers left a note written on a TTP letterhead accusing the dead men of kidnapping former ISI officials who "during their active service had been kind to Taliban".

BBC

Grandad had many near misses during his active service – but always believed that he would return home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sources included surviving official records, and the papers of those who had served on the ship during her active service.

Wikipedia

Although himself forced to crash land on two occasions, he had avoided any injury during his active service.

Wikipedia

He received 30 awards and nine air medals during his active service -- and the U.S. military had invested millions of dollars into his career.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during active service", ensure the context clearly indicates the military or similar nature of the service. This avoids ambiguity, particularly in documents where civilian service might also be discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "during active service" when referring to periods of training or reserve duty if the core context relates to combat or deployment. Clarify the specific type of service to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during active service" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to specify when something occurred. It provides a temporal context, indicating that an event or condition took place while someone was actively serving in the military, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during active service" is a prepositional phrase used to denote events or conditions occurring while someone is actively serving in the military. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts. While its usage frequency is uncommon, the phrase is well-established and appropriate in various settings, especially when clarity about the timing of events relative to military service is needed. When considering alternatives, "on active duty" offers a concise substitute, but the best choice depends on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on active duty

A more concise way to express being in a state of active military service.

while serving in the military

Focuses on the act of serving, specifying the context as military service.

in military duty

Emphasizes the obligation and context of military duty.

while deployed

Specifically refers to the time when military personnel are stationed away from their home base.

during military operations

Highlights the period when military actions are taking place.

while on tour of duty

Refers to a specific assignment or period of service.

in the course of military service

Formal alternative emphasizing the progress of military duty.

in operational service

Specifies a time of active operations and military action.

during wartime

Highlights a specific period of active conflict.

during their service period

A more generic way to refer to the time someone is in active service.

FAQs

How can I use "during active service" in a sentence?

You can use "during active service" to specify a period when someone is actively serving in the military. For example, "Injuries sustained "on active duty" often qualify veterans for specific benefits".

What's a simpler way to say "during active service"?

Alternatives include "on active duty" or "while serving". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "during active service" in formal writing?

Yes, "during active service" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in military, legal, or historical contexts. It clearly denotes a specific period of duty.

What is the difference between "during active service" and "after active service"?

"During active service" refers to events that happened while someone was currently serving in a military capacity. "After active service" refers to the period following the completion of that service.