enlist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of enrolling or signing up for a service, organization, or cause, often in a military context. Example: "He decided to enlist in the army after finishing high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My boyfriend and I have lived on our motor sailor for years, yet had to enlist the help of an able seaman for our one trip out of the marina - and that was to move home.

The Guardian - Travel

Researchers working for human rights organisations during this period were so concerned by indications that the Sri Lankan government might be seeking to enlist Fox's support to ease restrictions on arms imports from the UK to the island nation, they raised their worries with the Foreign Office in London.

The Guardian

Characteristically he had rushed home from Australia to enlist as a private in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and promotion came quickly - as it did in all he put his hand and mind to, except his chosen career of politics.

The Guardian

That's where Chaisson was assigned after leaving a bank job to enlist when he was 17 – with his father's permission, since he was underage.

The Guardian

The government was empowered both to control private factories and set up its own, and women were summoned to enlist on a register for work.

The Guardian

The princes usually enlist in the armed forces and so identify with Britain's aggressive wars.

The Guardian - Opinion

In recent years we have seen a whole range of unpopular policies, from Iraq to the expansion of Heathrow, where the government has refused to engage with the very grassroots they are now so desperate to enlist.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no way he can know better than them what small detail might expose their identities and re-victimize them; there's no reason not to enlist their help to make sure that this doesn't happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Charrington did eventually get what he wished, as the purpose of his speech had been to continue his campaign for the football season to be suspended following the outbreak of World War I so that players would enlist in the army.

The Guardian - Sport

Its efforts to avoid a vote – which some see as damaging in itself as a vote for suspension – have seen it enlist Israel's ministry of foreign affairs as well as the lobbying of key Fifa officials.

The Guardian

The force has previously accepted that it tried to enlist the four, but has denied, without going into detail, some of the conduct alleged by them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about gaining support for a cause, consider using "enlist" to convey a sense of active recruitment and engagement. For example, "The organization sought to "enlist" volunteers for the environmental cleanup project."

Common error

Avoid using "enlist" when a more general term like "ask" or "request" would be more appropriate. "Enlist" implies a deliberate effort to recruit or gain support, not a simple inquiry.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enlist" is a verb. It denotes the action of enrolling, recruiting, or securing support. As Ludwig AI explains, the term is grammatically correct and usable in English, frequently appearing in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "enlist" is grammatically correct and widely used, as validated by Ludwig. It denotes actively recruiting or obtaining support, commonly appearing in news, business, and scientific contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it is versatile enough for varied scenarios. To ensure effective communication, remember to use "enlist" when conveying active recruitment rather than simple requests. Consider alternatives like "recruit", "enroll", or "secure" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Recruit

Focuses specifically on the act of attracting and enrolling new members or participants, often for military or organizational purposes.

Enroll

Emphasizes the formal process of registering or joining a group, course, or organization.

Join

A general term for becoming a member of a group, organization, or cause.

Sign up

An informal way of expressing enrollment or agreement to participate.

Secure

Highlights the act of obtaining or ensuring something, such as support or assistance.

Obtain

Similar to secure, but focuses more on the act of gaining or acquiring something.

Engage

Implies actively involving someone or something in a particular activity or cause.

Induct

Suggests a formal introduction or admission into a group or organization.

Register

Emphasizes the act of officially recording or listing someone or something.

Call up

Specifically refers to summoning someone for military service.

FAQs

How is "enlist" typically used in a sentence?

"Enlist" is generally used as a verb to describe the act of enrolling or recruiting someone or something for a particular purpose, such as military service or support for a cause. For example, "He decided to "enlist" in the army" or "They tried to "enlist" the community's support for the project".

What are some alternatives to "enlist" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "recruit", "enroll", "join", or "secure" to express similar meanings. Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

What does it mean to "enlist" someone's help?

To "enlist" someone's help means to actively seek and gain their support, assistance, or participation in a particular task, project, or cause. It implies a deliberate effort to involve them.

Is it appropriate to use "enlist" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "enlist" in a business context when referring to recruiting employees, gaining support from stakeholders, or securing partnerships. However, ensure that the context aligns with the active recruitment connotation of the word.