enter into combat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enter into combat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to warfare, conflict, or competitive situations where two parties engage in a fight or struggle. Example: "The soldiers were prepared to enter into combat at dawn, ready to defend their territory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We have no intention at this point of seeking to enter into combat operations in Syria.

The Guardian

These warriors without weapons or armor exorcize the demons of the crowd and reaffirm its faith: in each confrontation between two sides, old hatreds and old loves passed from father to son enter into combat.

Huffington Post

Despite the British training, the SLA was not large enough or strong enough to enter into combat with the RUF while also holding the ground it had recaptured, so the British persuaded UNAMSIL to move forward behind the advancing SLA to defend its recaptured ground.

Wikipedia

Although UNAMSIL's mandate would have allowed it to enter into combat with the RUF, the national contingents were reluctant to leave their bases and its focus remained on peacekeeping rather than the peace enforcement that the British and others believed was necessary.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a result of the earlier political suppression of its top designers, when the Soviet Union entered into combat with Germany in 1940, it needed to procure American fighters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That same friend who asked me whom I could trust also asked if I could identify those battle-savvy troops before we entered into combat.

The New York Times

Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former Armed Forces chief of staff who chairs the Senate committee on defense, said he sponsored the resolution for next week's inquiry because he worried that the arrival of American military trainers may violate a constitutional ban on foreign soldiers entering into combat in the Philippines.

The New York Times

The squadron was activated on March 22 , 1941 and entered into combat over North Africa in June of 1943.

Huffington Post

Of the four, only one,, entered into combat in the way that was intended, with full crew and under steam.

Wikipedia

Skeletal characters enter into gladiatorial combat.

The Guardian

Rules of engagement (ROE), military directives meant to describe the circumstances under which ground, naval, and air forces will enter into and continue combat with opposing forces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enter into combat" to specifically describe the action of engaging in armed conflict, emphasizing the transition from a state of peace or preparation to active fighting. It's most appropriate when highlighting a deliberate decision or planned action to engage.

Common error

Avoid using "enter into combat" metaphorically when simpler phrases like "engage in a debate" or "face a challenge" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong connotation of physical violence and should be reserved for situations where that connotation is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enter into combat" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of engaging in a physical fight or armed conflict. As noted by Ludwig AI, it’s considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enter into combat" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the action of engaging in armed conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most commonly found in news and historical contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is well-understood and serves a specific purpose in describing the commencement of fighting. Be mindful of overusing it metaphorically, reserving it for contexts genuinely related to physical conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go into battle

Similar to "enter into combat", but with a slightly different emphasis.

begin fighting

Simple alternative focusing on the start of physical confrontation.

join the battle

Highlights the act of becoming part of an ongoing fight.

join the fray

Suggests becoming part of a chaotic or disorganized fight.

engage in warfare

Focuses on the broader act of participating in war rather than the specific moment of entering combat.

go to war

Implies a larger-scale conflict or declaration of war.

take up arms

Emphasizes the act of preparing for and initiating a fight.

be drawn into conflict

Suggests an involuntary entry into a conflict situation.

become involved in conflict

A more general term for getting entangled in a dispute or struggle.

initiate hostilities

Suggests starting a conflict or war.

FAQs

How can I use "enter into combat" in a sentence?

You can use "enter into combat" to describe a situation where soldiers or other armed individuals are about to engage in fighting. For instance, "The troops were prepared to enter into combat at dawn".

What are some alternatives to "enter into combat"?

Alternatives include "engage in warfare", "go into battle", or "begin fighting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "entering into combat" instead of "enter into combat"?

Yes, "entering into combat" is grammatically correct. It is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun. For example, "Entering into combat was a difficult decision".

What is the difference between "enter into combat" and "join the battle"?

"Enter into combat" implies a more formal or planned engagement, while "join the battle" suggests becoming part of an already ongoing fight.