in close combat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in close combat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more individuals or groups are engaged in direct physical fighting or confrontation, often at a short distance. Example: "The soldiers were trained to excel in close combat, ensuring they could defend themselves effectively in any situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, it's possible that a) the blade is made through some kind of secret Sith ritual that means the emitters at the hilt are fine, or b) the guard isn't a guard at all, but merely additional, dagger-like blades designed to help wound in close combat.

TechCrunch

"In close combat, we do better," says the Chechen.

The New York Times

He added: "The next step is, do we actually put them in close combat?

The New York Times

Our job overseas was rather simple: maneuver and destroy the enemy in close combat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dlovan Jaffar, a peshmerga fighter, took part in close combat with Isis on Tel Osqof's streets.

The Guardian

Engineers can hack enemy scanners for intel, but are also useful in close combat.

The Guardian - Tech

In it, British Marines engaged in close combat with Iraqi troops in an abandoned building.

The New York Times

He is taller than Martin, quite a lot fitter, and trained in close combat.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A1 American forces killed more than 100 insurgents in close combat in a small village in central Iraq.

The New York Times

The Israeli military said Hamas fighters were not engaging them in close combat but using mortars and roadside bombs.

The Guardian

The big field-artillery system, meant to provide support for soldiers in close combat, was conceived in 1994 to address an artillery shortcoming discovered in the Gulf War.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical or fictional battles, use "in close combat" to vividly depict the intensity and brutality of hand-to-hand fighting. This adds a layer of realism and immediacy to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "in close combat" metaphorically when describing non-physical conflicts or arguments. While it can be tempting to use the phrase for emphasis, it's more appropriate to reserve it for actual physical confrontations to avoid diluting its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in close combat" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig shows its widespread use in describing military actions or fighting scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

41%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in close combat" is a widely used adverbial phrase that vividly describes the manner of fighting at short range. As confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media, Wikipedia, and encyclopedic sources, indicating its broad applicability across various contexts. While grammatically sound, it’s best reserved for actual physical confrontations, as the examples highlight its effectiveness in illustrating the intensity and proximity of battle. For alternatives, consider "hand-to-hand fighting" or "close-quarters battle" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hand-to-hand fighting

Focuses specifically on combat where opponents are within touching distance.

melee combat

Emphasizes the chaotic and disorganized nature of the fighting.

close-quarters battle

Highlights the confined space in which the combat takes place.

hand-to-hand combat

Is a more formal and technical term for fighting at very close range.

physical confrontation

Refers to any situation involving physical engagement or conflict.

direct engagement

Highlights direct interaction and confrontation between opposing forces.

face-to-face conflict

Emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the confrontation.

knife fight

Suggests fighting with blades.

grappling

Focuses on wrestling or holding an opponent.

infighting

Emphasizes chaotic and disorderly fight.

FAQs

How can I use "in close combat" in a sentence?

You can use "in close combat" to describe situations where individuals or groups are engaged in direct physical fighting at close range. For example: "The soldiers were trained to excel in close combat."

What are some alternatives to "in close combat"?

Alternatives include "hand-to-hand fighting", "melee combat", or "close-quarters battle" depending on the specific context.

Is "in close combat" formal or informal?

The phrase "in close combat" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in military or historical narratives.

What's the difference between "in close combat" and "hand-to-hand combat"?

While similar, "in close combat" is a broader term referring to fighting at close range, while "hand-to-hand combat" specifically implies unarmed or minimally armed fighting.