enlist in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlist in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to joining or signing up for military service or a similar organization. Example: "He decided to enlist in the army after finishing high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Enlist in the military?

The New York Times

She plans to enlist in the Navy.

The New York Times

He could enlist in the regular army.

The Guardian

He wanted to enlist in the Army".

The New York Times

Enlist in the Hammered Aluminum Collectors Association.

The New York Times

We allow 17-year-olds to enlist in the army.

The Economist

Mr. Sasser tried to enlist in the Navy at 19.

The New York Times - Arts

I immediately decided to enlist in the United States Navy.

The New York Times - Sports

Has he encouraged them to enlist in the military?

The New York Times

Carlson ran away from home to enlist in the U.S. Army at age 16.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His pro-military attitude most likely influenced his adopted son's decision to enlist in the 54th.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enlist in", ensure that the context aligns with joining a structured group, especially the military or organizations with a defined hierarchy. For other contexts, consider alternatives like "join" or "sign up for".

Common error

Avoid using "enlist in" in overly casual situations. While grammatically correct, it can sound too formal or dramatic when simpler options like "join" would be more appropriate. Reserve "enlist in" for scenarios where a deliberate commitment to a structured group is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlist in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of joining or enrolling in a specific group, often with a formal or structured nature, such as military service. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Huffington Post

7%

Science

2%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enlist in" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies joining or enrolling in a structured group, particularly the military. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability, though it's most frequent in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "join" or "sign up for" exist, "enlist in" carries a more formal tone and implies a significant commitment. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with structured organizations to avoid sounding overly formal. It is important to note that the register of the phrase tends to be neutral but can lean towards formal based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Join

More general term for becoming a member of a group or organization.

Sign up for

Implies registering or subscribing to something, often a service or program.

Enroll in

Typically used for joining a course, program, or institution.

Become a member of

Formal way of indicating participation in an organization.

Enter into

Suggests beginning a process or state, can be more abstract.

Take part in

Emphasizes active involvement in an event or activity.

Affiliate with

Suggests associating oneself with an organization or cause.

Associate with

Implies forming a connection or relationship with a group.

Engage in

Focuses on participating or being involved in an activity.

Opt in to

Indicates choosing to participate or receive something, often a communication or service.

FAQs

What does "enlist in" mean?

The phrase "enlist in" means to enroll or join a specific group or organization, typically referring to military service. It signifies a commitment to serve under a structured authority.

Is it correct to say "enlist to" instead of "enlist in"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "enlist" in this context is "in". "Enlist to" is grammatically incorrect. You "enlist in" the army, not to the army.

What can I say instead of "enlist in"?

You can use alternatives like "join", "sign up for", or "enroll in" depending on the specific context. These options offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and implication.

When is it appropriate to use "enlist in" versus "join"?

"Enlist in" is typically used when referring to joining military service or organizations with a formal, hierarchical structure. "Join" is a more general term suitable for a wider range of groups and activities.