invade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "invade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one entity enters or encroaches upon another, often with a connotation of aggression or intrusion. Example: "The army plans to invade the neighboring country at dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a powerful disincentive for them to invade each other's islands at the moment, because the invader has to queue up to use the incumbent's transmission networks.When EU ministers consider the commission's proposals in March, they should remember that energy is indeed important and that governments should indeed treat it differently.

The Economist

Instead of trapping and slowly eliminating the virus, some believe that disabling the CCR5 receptor simply provoked it to mutate and invade cells via alternative receptors.

The Guardian

As the bridge collapses and outside forces invade it, so the narrative starts to blur, different worlds impinge on each other, different voices speak.

The Guardian - Books

Akinci shares Anastasiades's view that the island, partitioned after a Greek Cypriot attempt for enosis, or union, with Greece prompted Turkey to invade and seize its northern third, should be united as a two-state federation.

The Guardian

This prompted the US to either invade or liberate the island, depending on whom you talk to.

The Guardian - Travel

Also, what is happening when French phrases just invade our language like that?

The Guardian - Opinion

The anti-immigrant defenders of Europe, not the notional crowds of immigrants waiting to invade it, are the true threat to Europe.

The Guardian

The Allies are poised to invade France and finally defeat the German army.

The Guardian - Film

And if Game of Thrones hasn't got enough power play in it, check out what happened when Vladimir Putin (aka Jimmy Fallon) calls Sarah Palin to chat about her prediction that he'd invade Ukraine.

The Guardian

Tom Friedman told New York Times readers that before NSA analysts can invade the content of calls and emails, they "have to go to a judge to get a warrant to actually look at the content under guidelines set by Congress".

The Guardian - Opinion

When a market is saturated, as England's is, you invade everyone else's, in the style of 19th-century imperialism, only this time with replica shirts and duvet covers.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "invade" in a non-military context, ensure the connotation of intrusion or unwelcome entry is clear. For example, "thoughts invaded her mind" suggests an unwanted mental intrusion.

Common error

Avoid using "invade" passively when the actor is unclear. For instance, instead of "privacy was invaded", specify who or what did the invading to maintain clarity and impact: "the company invaded user privacy".

Linguistic Context

The word "invade" functions primarily as a verb, denoting an action of entering a place or situation by force or intrusion. Ludwig provides examples where "invade" describes military actions, natural phenomena, or abstract concepts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "invade" is a versatile term, predominantly used to describe forceful entry or intrusion. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans from military conflicts to abstract violations, often carrying negative connotations. The most frequent context for "invade" is in news and media, where it neutrally conveys events involving aggression or unwanted intrusion. While grammatically correct, careful consideration of the context is crucial to ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter by force

Focuses specifically on the forceful entry aspect of "invade".

occupy

Emphasizes taking control of a space, similar to one aspect of "invade".

overrun

Suggests a rapid and overwhelming occupation, similar to a specific type of "invade".

encroach upon

Highlights the gradual intrusion onto someone's space or rights, a less aggressive form of "invade".

breach

Implies breaking through a barrier or defense, leading to entry, a component of "invade".

infringe upon

Focuses on violating or undermining rights or boundaries, a more abstract sense of "invade".

storm

Conveys a sudden, violent attack and entry, similar to a forceful "invade".

penetrate

Focuses on entering or passing through something, often with difficulty, similar to overcoming resistance in "invade".

trespass

Indicates unauthorized entry onto someone's property, a less forceful version of "invade".

violate

Emphasizes the transgression of a boundary or rule, similar to "invade" in the sense of infringing on rights.

FAQs

How is "invade" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "invade" is used to describe a forceful entry into a place or situation. Examples include: "The army plans to "invade the neighboring country"" or "Ants "invade the picnic"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "invade"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "enter by force", "occupy", or "encroach upon".

When is it appropriate to use "invade" literally versus figuratively?

"Invade" is used literally when referring to military actions or physical intrusions. Figuratively, it describes unwanted or overwhelming entry, such as "invade privacy" or "invade someone's thoughts".

What connotations does "invade" carry?

"Invade" typically carries negative connotations of aggression, intrusion, and violation. It implies a lack of consent or welcome. Choosing a synonym like "enter" can neutralize this negative connotation.