form an alliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "form an alliance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when two or more parties agree to cooperate in order to accomplish a common goal. For example: "The two nations decided to form an alliance to strengthen their political and economic ties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The left and centre-right might form an alliance.

Independent

It could form an alliance with Socialist Pasok.

The New York Times

When the pair form an alliance, the results are explosive.

The Guardian - Books

The northern armies began to form an alliance against the southerners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To retake the city from ISIS, rival groups need to form an alliance.

The New Yorker

Opposition parties failed to form an alliance in the run-up to the poll.

The Economist

Cameron will also defend his decision to form an alliance with the Ulster Unionists.

The Guardian

Daenerys will hopefully form an alliance with Jon Snow and march towards Kings Landing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

NRG tried but failed to form an alliance with Vattenfall and the Hamburg utility.

The New York Times

British Airways encountered regulatory problems when it tried to form an alliance with American Airlines.

The New York Times

They form an alliance and renew themselves by ripping off unsavory people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "form an alliance" to denote strategic cooperation, emphasizing the proactive nature of establishing a partnership for mutual benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "form an alliance" when simply describing a temporary or informal agreement. This phrase typically implies a more structured and committed partnership.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form an alliance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating a partnership or coalition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase generally involves two or more entities agreeing to cooperate for shared objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "form an alliance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes the establishment of a strategic partnership between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts. Its usage spans diverse fields, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing, primarily to describe cooperative agreements for mutual benefit.

The phrase maintains a neutral register and is most commonly found in news and media sources, as highlighted by the numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Alternatives such as ""create a coalition"" or "establish a partnership" offer similar meanings, though with subtle differences in connotation. When using "form an alliance", clarity in the shared goals is essential for ensuring its effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a coalition

This alternative suggests a temporary union for a specific purpose, often political.

build a coalition

Focuses on the construction of the alliance, implying a deliberate and strategic process.

establish a partnership

This suggests a more formal and often legally binding agreement.

enter into a treaty

This implies a formal agreement, usually between nations, often involving specific obligations.

develop a collaboration

Focuses on the cooperative aspect of working together towards a shared goal.

organize a partnership

This alternative focuses on the structuring of a partnership, highlighting the organizational aspect.

forge a union

Implies a strong and often permanent bond between the parties involved.

initiate a collaboration

Highlights the beginning or starting phase of a cooperative effort.

establish a syndicate

This is best for business agreement or illegal activities

foster a syndicate

This alternative focuses on the development and nurturing of a collaborative relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "form an alliance" in a sentence?

You can use "form an alliance" to describe when two or more groups come together for a common purpose. For example, "The companies decided to "create a coalition" to tackle the environmental issue".

What can I say instead of "form an alliance"?

You can use alternatives like "establish a partnership", "develop a collaboration", or "forge a union" depending on the context.

Is it better to "form an alliance" or "build a coalition"?

Both phrases are similar, but "form an alliance" often implies a broader strategic alignment, while "build a coalition" can suggest a more specific and temporary grouping for a particular cause.

What's the difference between "form an alliance" and "form an allegiance"?

"Form an alliance" refers to a strategic partnership for mutual benefit, whereas "form an allegiance" implies a declaration of loyalty or support, often to a leader or cause.