getting closer to war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting closer to war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about international relations, conflicts, or tensions between nations that may lead to war. Example: "The escalating tensions between the two countries are concerning, as they seem to be getting closer to war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We were getting closer to war.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As the world has focused on the US troop withdrawal from Iraq, and the intensifying war in Afghanistan, Arabs and Kurds in Iraq have been getting closer to an all out war over control of the oil-rich lands stretching from the borders of Syria in the west to Iran in the east.

Independent

Getting closer to Hell or farther away.

The New Yorker

Are we getting closer to clinical implementation?

Biomaterials

"It's getting closer to a resolution.

BBC

But we're getting closer to that".

Los Angeles Times

When we got closer to the war zone, we changed to a different ship, because sinking the QE2 would have been a tremendous moral victory for the other side.

The Guardian - Arts

"My main worry is the larger picture of getting close to a cold war.

The Guardian

"We're getting close to winning the war, so that means we're getting close to good news about my husband," said Ms. Hudson, who met Specialist Hudson when they were classmates at Alamogordo High School.

The New York Times

He's starting to think that in a hundred years we're going to look back on war the way we now look back on slavery, as an obsolete institution, and we'll say, "What were people thinking back then?" He thinks we're getting close to being finished with war, that our aversion to casualties is a part of that.

The New Yorker

Well, to some extent, as we got closer to the reality of war, all the visceral antiwar feeling came out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting closer to war" to describe a situation where diplomatic solutions are failing and military action becomes increasingly likely. It's most effective when supported by specific evidence of escalating tensions.

Common error

Avoid using "getting closer to war" in situations where tensions are present but not necessarily leading to armed conflict. It's important to maintain a sense of proportion and avoid sensationalizing the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting closer to war" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of escalating tension and an increasing probability of armed conflict. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe both specific conflicts and broader geopolitical trends.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting closer to war" serves as a crucial indicator of rising global tensions and the increased likelihood of armed conflict. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct, though relatively rare in occurrence. Primarily found in news and media, it carries a neutral tone while conveying a serious warning. Alternative phrases such as "approaching war" or "escalating tensions" can be used to express similar ideas, yet "getting closer to war" succinctly captures the gradual progression towards potential hostilities. When using the phrase, ensure it's supported by concrete evidence and avoid sensationalizing situations where tensions are present but not definitively leading to war. Overall, "getting closer to war" serves as a significant descriptor of a deteriorating geopolitical landscape.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching war

A more direct and concise way of saying that war is imminent.

nearing conflict

Focuses on the increasing likelihood of armed conflict.

escalating tensions

Highlights the rising level of strain between parties, suggesting a path towards war.

brink of war

Indicates a position very close to the start of war.

moving towards war

Similar to the original phrase but emphasizes the direction of movement.

inching towards war

Suggests a slow, almost reluctant progression towards conflict.

heading for war

Implies a clear and unavoidable trajectory toward war.

drifting towards war

Suggests a passive or unintentional movement towards conflict.

on a collision course

Uses a metaphor to indicate an inevitable clash.

deteriorating relations

Focuses on the worsening state of affairs between parties, hinting at potential war.

FAQs

What does "getting closer to war" mean?

The phrase "getting closer to war" describes a situation where the likelihood of armed conflict is increasing due to escalating tensions or unresolved disputes between nations or groups.

What are some alternatives to "getting closer to war"?

You can use alternatives like "approaching war", "escalating tensions", or "nearing conflict" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "getting closer to war" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The increased military presence in the region suggests we are "getting closer to war"."

Is it correct to say "getting close to war" instead of "getting closer to war"?

While "getting close to war" is understandable, "getting closer to war" is more common and grammatically sound. The comparative form emphasizes the increasing proximity to war.