endless wars

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endless wars" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe conflicts that seem to have no resolution or conclusion, often in a political or historical context. Example: "The region has been plagued by endless wars, leaving its people in a state of despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Endless wars in the Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

We don't have enough volunteers to fight these endless wars.

The New York Times

Endlessly fluctuating frontiers and proliferating religions mean endless wars.

The Guardian - Arts

Wars on such enemies as cancer, poverty and drugs are understood to be endless wars.

The New York Times

Their life together was interwoven with the United States' seemingly endless wars.

The Washington Post

"They want to draw us into endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation.

The Guardian

Andrew Bacevich, a long-time conservative critic of neoconservatives, the military and America's endless wars.

The Guardian

The experiences of Njinga's subjects enslaved, sacrificed, or dragooned into endless wars—remain sadly unrecoverable.

The New Yorker

Unless we want to fight endless wars of prevention, we have to abolish the club.

The New York Times

But they might also be the remains of past victims, casualties of our endless wars.

The New York Times

Society is organized along medieval lines, with kings and nobles fighting endless wars for dominance.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "endless wars", ensure the context clearly supports the assertion that the conflicts are prolonged and without a foreseeable resolution. Avoid using it hyperbolically for shorter or less intense conflicts.

Common error

Be cautious about labeling conflicts as "endless wars" prematurely. The term implies a prolonged and seemingly irresolvable nature, so apply it judiciously to avoid exaggerating the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endless wars" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "endless" modifies the noun "wars". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing the nature of the conflicts. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "endless wars" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe prolonged and seemingly irresolvable conflicts. As Ludwig AI points out, its primary function is to act as a noun phrase, frequently appearing in news and media contexts to express concern or criticism regarding protracted military engagements. While alternatives like "perpetual wars" and "unending conflicts" exist, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context accurately reflects the prolonged and seemingly irresolvable nature of the conflicts being described. Overstating the 'endless' aspect can be a common error, so be mindful of applying it hyperbolically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never-ending wars

Similar to "endless wars" but uses a slightly different phrasing to convey the lack of conclusion.

wars without end

Inverts the structure of "endless wars" while retaining the core meaning of conflicts that do not cease.

perpetual wars

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the wars, suggesting they are likely to continue indefinitely.

unending conflicts

Focuses on the lack of termination or resolution of the conflicts, highlighting their persistent state.

protracted wars

Highlights the extended duration and drawn-out nature of the wars.

unceasing wars

Underscores the constant and uninterrupted nature of the wars.

interminable wars

Implies that the wars seem to have no end and are excessively long.

long-lasting wars

Focuses on the duration of the wars, emphasizing that they have persisted for a significant period.

incessant warfare

Shifts the focus to the continuous and unrelenting nature of the fighting itself.

recurrent conflicts

Highlights the repeated or cyclical nature of the conflicts, suggesting they reappear over time.

FAQs

How can I use "endless wars" in a sentence?

You can use "endless wars" to describe prolonged conflicts that seem to have no resolution. For example, "The region has been plagued by "endless wars", leading to widespread instability."

What are some alternatives to "endless wars"?

Some alternatives to "endless wars" include "perpetual wars", "unending conflicts", or "protracted wars", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "endless wars" in formal writing?

Yes, "endless wars" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when discussing political or historical contexts. However, ensure the context supports the claim that the conflicts are indeed prolonged and seemingly without end.

What's the difference between "endless wars" and "ongoing conflicts"?

"Endless wars" implies a lack of resolution or foreseeable end, whereas "ongoing conflicts" simply means the conflicts are currently in progress, without necessarily suggesting they are unending.