in the war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the war" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like: "Many brave soldiers lost their lives in the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I got hurt in the war".

The New York Times - Arts

They needed America in the war.

Independent

flight lieutenant, was killed in the war.

The New Yorker

We saved them in the war.

The New Yorker

That too has roots in the war.

The Economist

"Him being in the war and all".

The New Yorker

Five grandchildren died in the war.

The Economist

Had he been in the war?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Did women participate in the war effort?

Johns Hopkins University

They're in the war-fighter mentality.

The New York Times - Magazine

In The War-Making Business?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in the war", ensure the context clearly specifies which war you are referring to, especially if there are multiple wars being discussed. For clarity, add a specific war reference: "in the Second World War" or "in the Vietnam War".

Common error

Avoid using "in the war" without specifying which conflict. This lack of context can cause confusion. Instead of saying "He served in the war", specify "He served in the Korean War" for precise understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the war" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It specifies the time, location, or circumstances related to a particular war. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the war" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to provide context about events, actions, or experiences related to a specific war. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and used frequently. It's crucial to specify the war to avoid ambiguity. The phrase appears most often in news and media, academic writing, and on wikis, indicating a generally neutral register. When using "in the war", ensure clear context and consider alternative phrases like "during the conflict" or "amidst the hostilities" to enhance clarity or stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within the war

Indicates something is contained or happening inside the larger scope of the war.

during the conflict

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting activities or events that occurred while the war was ongoing.

throughout the war

Stresses the duration and continuous presence of something during the entire war.

during wartime

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, referring to the period when the war was taking place.

amidst the hostilities

Emphasizes the environment of conflict and aggression.

involved in the war

Indicates a state of being implicated or connected to the war.

participating in the war

Highlights active involvement or engagement in the war efforts.

engaged in the war

Suggests active participation or involvement in the conflict.

fighting in the war

Specifically refers to the act of combat or direct engagement in the war.

under the conditions of war

Highlights the circumstances and environment created by the war.

FAQs

How can I use "in the war" in a sentence?

The phrase "in the war" is typically used to describe someone's involvement, experiences, or events that occurred during a particular war. For instance, "He was a medic "in the war"" or "She lost her father "in the war"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in the war"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "during the conflict", "amidst the hostilities", or "throughout the war". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the war experience.

Is it better to say "during the war" or "in the war"?

Both "during the war" and "in the war" are grammatically correct. "During the war" emphasizes the time period, while "in the war" can refer to involvement or location within the conflict. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between saying someone "fought in the war" versus "served in the war"?

"Fought "in the war"" specifically implies combat or direct engagement in battle. "Served "in the war"" is broader and can include any form of military service, not necessarily involving direct combat. For example, support roles, medical personnel, or logistical staff.