going to war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going to war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of engaging in military conflict or preparing for such an action. Example: "The nation is preparing for the possibility of going to war if diplomatic efforts fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's going to war.

The New York Times - Sports

It's like going to war".

The New Yorker

Just like going to war.

The New Yorker

It's not unlike going to war.

The New York Times - Arts

It could also mean going to war.

The New York Times

"Going to war scares me.

The New York Times

"They were going to war".

The New York Times - Sports

Britain was going to war.

The Guardian

Israel doesn't consult before going to war".

The Guardian

"I didn't like going to war.

The Guardian - Film

Humans going to war in robotic exoskeletons?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going to war", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you are referring to the formal declaration, "declaring war" might be more appropriate. If you are emphasizing the act of engaging in conflict, "entering into conflict" or "engaging in warfare" could be better choices.

Common error

While "going to war" can be used metaphorically (e.g., "going to war on poverty"), avoid overusing it in contexts where the intensity of real war is not applicable, as it can diminish the impact and trivialize genuine military conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going to war" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of commencing or engaging in a state of armed conflict. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going to war" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, especially in news and media, to describe the commencement or anticipation of military conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral, formality can shift based on context. For more precision, consider alternatives like "engaging in warfare" or "declaring war". Avoid overuse in contexts lacking genuine military intensity to maintain impact. Remembering these nuances helps ensure clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entering into conflict

This phrase is a more neutral and broader way of describing the beginning of hostilities.

preparing for combat

This focuses on the readiness and anticipation of fighting.

engaging in warfare

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the systemic nature of war.

initiating military action

This is a formal way to describe the start of military operations.

commencing hostilities

This alternative is very formal and emphasizes the official start of war.

declaring war

This emphasizes the formal declaration rather than the act of fighting itself.

taking up arms

This emphasizes the act of preparing for battle and military action.

becoming belligerent

This describes the state of being ready or eager to fight.

embarking on a campaign

This is more suitable for describing a prolonged military effort.

marching to battle

This invokes a more traditional image of war and conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "going to war" in a sentence?

You can use "going to war" to describe the act of engaging in military conflict or preparing for it. For example, "The nation is preparing for the possibility of "going to war" if diplomatic efforts fail."

What are some alternatives to "going to war"?

You can use alternatives such as "entering into conflict", "engaging in warfare", or "commencing hostilities" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "going to war" and "declaring war"?

"Going to war" refers to the actual act of engaging in combat and hostilities, while "declaring war" signifies the formal announcement of a state of war. You can declare war without immediately going to war, and vice versa.

Is "going to war" formal or informal?

"Going to war" is generally considered a neutral expression. More formal alternatives include "engaging in warfare" or "commencing hostilities", while a more informal phrase could be "getting into a fight", depending on the context.