in war with

USAGE SUMMARY

The two-word phrase "in war with" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It implies that two persons, groups, or nations are in a state of open hostility toward each other. For example, "The two countries have been in war with each other for the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This aggression involved Rome in war with Carthage and Syracuse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fellows must be sheer fools to land themselves in war with England".

The New York Times - Books

In 1934 Ibn Saʿūd was involved in war with Yemen over a boundary dispute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unhappily that civilization perished in its golden age, in war, with another kind of bang.

The New Yorker

Did she believe in war with Iraq or was it a career move?

The Guardian

Unsuccessful in war with Byzantium (421 422), Bahrām V made a 100-year peace and granted freedom of worship to the Christians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

And Bergen County is not alone in warring with the railroads.

The New York Times

These movements failed as more borders were drawn in wars with Israel in 1948 and 1967.

The New York Times

When Gustav II Adolf ascended the throne, the country was already embroiled in wars with Denmark, Russia, and Poland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Japanese influence in the area became predominant, especially after the Japanese victory in wars with China (the Sino-Japanese War, 1894 95) and Russia (the Russo-Japanese War, 1904 05).

Encyclopedia Britannica

During this time, El Salvador was involved in wars with neighbouring countries that usually arose from attempts to meddle in their politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in war with", ensure that the context clearly establishes the nature and scope of the conflict. Specify the entities involved to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in war with" for minor disagreements or disputes; reserve it for situations involving significant hostility or armed conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in war with" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of armed conflict or intense hostility between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in war with" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of armed conflict or intense hostility between entities. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is very common and can be used in both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and historical accounts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the nature and entities involved in the conflict. Alternatives like "at war against" or "in conflict with" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embroiled in a war with

Highlights that the conflict with someone involved a set of unpleasant or complicated circumstances.

at war against

Emphasizes the adversarial aspect of the conflict, focusing on direct opposition.

in combat against

Specifically highlights the act of fighting or engaging in battle.

engaged in hostilities with

A formal term emphasizing the active state of warfare.

in conflict with

A more general term indicating disagreement or opposition, not necessarily involving armed conflict.

fighting against

Focuses on the ongoing action of battling an opponent.

battling against

Implies a sustained and vigorous effort against an adversary.

locked in conflict with

Highlights the intensity and inescapable nature of the conflict.

contending with

Indicates a struggle or rivalry, often less intense than outright war.

in a feud with

Suggests a long-standing and often personal conflict.

FAQs

How is "in war with" different from "in conflict with"?

"In war with" implies a state of armed conflict, whereas "in conflict with" can refer to any kind of disagreement or opposition, not necessarily involving violence.

What are some alternatives to "in war with"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases such as "at war against", "in combat against", or "engaged in hostilities with".

Is it appropriate to use "in war with" for non-military contexts?

While primarily used for military conflicts, "in war with" can be extended to describe intense, sustained struggles in other domains, such as "in a feud with", but this usage should be deliberate and contextually appropriate.

Can "in war with" be used to describe internal conflicts?

Yes, it can describe civil wars or internal strife within a country or organization, emphasizing the intensity and organized nature of the conflict.