external enemies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external enemies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing threats or adversaries that originate from outside a particular group, organization, or nation. Example: "The country has been preparing its defenses against external enemies who seek to undermine its sovereignty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thailand had no external enemies.

The Economist

But Israel's external enemies are well deterred.

The New York Times

Senator Bob Dole called them "worse than external enemies".

The New York Times - Books

Al-Mutawakkil was less successful in dealing with external enemies.

Britannica

For Pyongyang, fighting talk against external enemies is routine.

The New York Times

And they know that they need external enemies to thrive and justify imposing their demented visions.

The New York Times

"This battalion had been originally recruited to defend Iraq from external enemies.

The New York Times

They emerged at a time of crisis, and ruthlessly confront internal and external enemies.

The New York Times

Black and white soldiers clashed as much with one another as they did with external enemies.

Harvard University

So that we could stand, fight with our external enemies, our internal enemies".

The New York Times

That defeat may be a long time coming so long as its external enemies remain divided.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing geopolitical strategy, use "external enemies" to clearly define threats originating outside national borders.

Common error

Avoid using "external enemies" when referring to internal dissent or domestic issues. Maintain clarity by distinguishing between internal and external challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external enemies" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying entities that pose a threat from outside a defined group or nation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "external enemies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to threats originating from outside a defined entity, such as a nation or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's commonly found in news media, academic discussions, and encyclopedic entries, serving to clearly identify and categorize these external threats for strategic and communicative purposes. When using this phrase, it's important to differentiate it from internal threats and choose appropriate synonyms like "foreign adversaries" or "outside threats" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foreign adversaries

Focuses specifically on adversarial entities from other nations.

outside threats

Broader term encompassing any threat originating externally, not necessarily hostile.

external aggressors

Emphasizes aggressive actions initiated from outside.

foreign invaders

Implies an intrusion or encroachment by external forces.

international foes

Highlights the international dimension of the opposition.

overseas opposition

Focuses on the geographical location of the opposing forces.

alien combatants

Suggests unfamiliar or foreign combatants.

external rivals

Highlights competitive dynamics between external entities.

non-domestic adversaries

Formally specifies adversaries that are not part of the domestic sphere.

outland antagonists

Emphasizes that the enemies are from another land.

FAQs

How can I use "external enemies" in a sentence?

You can use "external enemies" to describe entities that pose a threat from outside a specific group or nation, such as, "The country is strengthening its borders to defend against potential "external enemies".

What are some alternatives to "external enemies"?

Alternatives include "foreign adversaries", "outside threats", or "external aggressors", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "external threats" or "external enemies"?

While both terms are acceptable, "external enemies" implies a more direct and intentional hostility, whereas "external threats" can encompass a broader range of dangers, including unintentional ones.

What's the difference between "internal enemies" and "external enemies"?

"Internal enemies" refers to opposition or threats from within a group or country, while "external enemies" denotes threats originating from outside. For example, a nation might face internal political strife and also defend against "foreign invaders".