engaging in hostilities

USAGE SUMMARY

"engaging in hostilities" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in a formal or legal context to describe involvement in conflict or war. Example: The country's declaration of war was met with widespread criticism from other nations, who urged them to find a peaceful resolution rather than engaging in hostilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He's engaging in hostilities against Qaddafi while telling Congress he's not engaging in hostilities against Qaddafi.

The New York Times

He argues that the president can proceed because the country is not actually engaging in "hostilities".

The New York Times

But almost at the same time, two other nuclear powers are engaging in hostilities.

The Washington Post

Our use of military personnel and equipment against Libya, and the casualties inflicted by their use, put us within the definition of engaging in hostilities, by any reasonable definition.

The New York Times

Isaac resisted attacks from the Byzantine emperors Andronicus I Comnenus and Isaac II Angelus, but in 1191, on engaging in hostilities with an English Crusader fleet under King Richard I (the Lion-Heart), he was defeated and imprisoned.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It updates the law by adding an eighth category of acts: providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization or actively engaging in hostilities against the United States or its allies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He added: "We are engaged in hostilities in Libya.

The New York Times

In 1762 bce Hammurabi again engaged in hostilities with the eastern powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More often, they are engaged in hostilities, both stealthy and outright.

The New York Times - Books

The two sides gauged each other from a distance but did not engage in hostilities.

The Washington Post

Before this date he had been engaged in hostilities with Portugal, which was in alliance with John of Gaunt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "engaging in hostilities", ensure the context clearly indicates a state of conflict or warfare, either declared or implied. Avoid using it casually to describe minor disagreements or disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "engaging in hostilities" to describe situations that are merely competitive or adversarial but do not involve actual violence or military action. Reserve it for scenarios involving armed conflict or warfare.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaging in hostilities" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a gerund phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe an action being undertaken. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's often seen in formal or legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engaging in hostilities" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase denoting active participation in armed conflict or warfare. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is most appropriate in formal and legal contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news media and encyclopedias. Although not very common, the phrase carries significant weight due to its association with serious topics like war and international relations. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects a state of conflict and avoid applying it to less severe situations. Alternative phrases include "committing acts of war", "participating in combat", and "waging war", each with slightly different nuances related to the scale and nature of the conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committing acts of war

Focuses specifically on actions that constitute warfare, rather than simply participating in it.

participating in combat

Emphasizes the direct involvement in fighting, unlike potentially indirect engagement.

waging war

Implies a larger-scale, sustained conflict rather than isolated incidents.

initiating armed conflict

Highlights the act of starting a conflict, focusing on the instigation.

involved in military action

Broader term encompassing any form of military activity, not necessarily aggressive.

conducting military operations

Refers to planned and organized military activities.

taking up arms

Implies the act of preparing for or starting a fight.

perpetrating aggression

Highlights the aggressive aspect of conflict and its instigation.

resorting to violence

Focuses on the use of violence as a means of resolving issues.

embroiled in conflict

Suggests being trapped or deeply involved in an ongoing dispute.

FAQs

What does "engaging in hostilities" mean in legal terms?

In legal contexts, "engaging in hostilities" typically refers to participating in armed conflict or warfare, which carries specific legal implications under international law and domestic war powers regulations.

When is it appropriate to use "engaging in hostilities"?

Use "engaging in hostilities" when describing situations where military forces or armed groups are actively involved in acts of war, such as fighting, attacking, or defending against attacks.

What are some alternatives to "engaging in hostilities"?

You can use alternatives like "committing acts of war", "participating in combat", or "waging war" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "involved in military action" and "engaging in hostilities"?

"Involved in military action" is broader and can include non-combative roles, whereas "engaging in hostilities" specifically implies direct participation in fighting or acts of war.