fighting force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fighting force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a military unit or group that is actively engaged in combat or warfare. Example: "The general praised the bravery and resilience of his fighting force during the battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in summer the heat saps a fighting force.

The New York Times

The barons with their armed retainers, which constituted the fighting force, returned home.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

A fighting force that draws leaders from a larger pool will have better leaders.

The New York Times

Today, they are resurgent and reinvigorated, a disciplined fighting force marching confidently forward.

The Economist

With U.S. aid, Ky soon built up a fighting force of 10,000 men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But why would ISIS throw away a large fraction of its fighting force there?

The New Yorker

He is credited with creating a fighting force that devastated the entire region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The army has proven to be a brave and effective fighting force and is getting stronger...

The Washington Post

Plans for the new nationwide crime fighting force are to be revealed by the government.

BBC

The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the Royal Air Force.

BBC

No analyst thinks Beijing tells the truth about the funding of the world's largest fighting force.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about military or conflict scenarios, use "fighting force" to clearly denote a group actively engaged in combat. This term is widely understood and conveys a sense of readiness and capability.

Common error

Avoid using "fighting force" metaphorically for non-military groups or teams, as it can sound hyperbolic or inappropriate. Instead, opt for terms like "team", "group", or "task force" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fighting force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a group of individuals organized and equipped for combat or warfare. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe military units or similar entities engaged in active conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fighting force" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a group organized and equipped for combat. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and widely used in written English, and suitable for a variety of contexts including news reports, encyclopedias and military discussions. The phrase is most common in news and media, describing military capabilities and operations. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to avoid overusing it in non-military contexts where other terms might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "combat unit" or "military unit" can be used to express similar meanings depending on the specific context. Overall, "fighting force" is a reliable and effective term for denoting military readiness and engagement in warfare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

combat unit

Focuses specifically on the unit's role in combat situations.

military unit

A more general term, referring to any organized body within a military.

army

A large organized group of soldiers equipped for war.

contingent

Focuses on a specific group deployed for a particular purpose.

armed forces

Refers to the entirety of a nation's military.

battalion

Specific military unit, part of an army.

strike force

Emphasizes the unit's offensive capabilities and readiness to attack.

defense force

Highlights the unit's role in protecting against threats.

military power

Broader term indicating military strength or capability.

war machine

Implies a large, complex system dedicated to warfare.

FAQs

How can I use "fighting force" in a sentence?

You can use "fighting force" to refer to a group of people engaged in combat, such as "The allied "fighting force" advanced on the enemy position".

What's a good alternative to "fighting force"?

Depending on the context, you could use "combat unit", "military unit", or "armed forces".

Is "fighting force" formal or informal language?

"Fighting force" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for news reports, historical accounts, and military discussions.

What is the difference between "fighting force" and "army"?

"Fighting force" can refer to any group engaged in combat, while "army" typically refers to a large, organized land-based military organization.