is at war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of conflict or military engagement between nations or groups. Example: "The country is at war, and the citizens are facing numerous challenges as a result."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

UKRAINE is at war.

The Economist

"My husband is at war".

The New York Times - Arts

Our nation is at war.

Independent

The nation is at war.

The Economist

The narrator's country is at war.

The New Yorker

"France is at war," he said.

The New Yorker

Israel is at war on both fronts.

The Economist

"It is like Ismayilli is at war".

The New York Times

Two years later, Syria is at war.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Skilled players are "at war with luck".

The Economist

We are at war.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is at war", ensure the context clearly defines what or who the opposing force is. Ambiguity can lead to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "is at war" loosely for minor disagreements or challenges. Reserve it for situations involving significant conflict or aggression to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at war" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the state or condition of a subject (country, nation, entity) as being engaged in armed conflict. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at war" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of armed conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse sources. It's important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations of significant conflict to avoid diluting its impact. While alternatives like "is in conflict" exist, "is at war" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey that a nation or entity is engaged in warfare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in conflict

Replaces "at war" with "in conflict", focusing on the state of opposition rather than active fighting. Slightly less intense.

is engaged in hostilities

Uses more formal language to describe active fighting or warfare. Emphasizes the actions being taken.

is embroiled in a war

Highlights the involvement and entanglement in a conflict. Suggests a complicated or difficult situation.

is fighting a war

Focuses on the act of waging war. Emphasizes active participation in combat.

is in a state of war

Emphasizes the formal declaration or acknowledged condition of being at war. More formal and legalistic.

is at odds

Indicates disagreement or friction, but not necessarily violent conflict. Broader and less specific.

is in opposition

Highlights the contrasting positions or ideologies. Suggests disagreement or resistance.

is under attack

Focuses on the receiving end of aggression. Emphasizes vulnerability and the act of being targeted.

is combating

Highlights the act of fighting against something, whether it's a physical enemy or an abstract issue. More versatile in application.

is struggling with

Suggests a difficult or challenging situation, but not necessarily a military conflict. Broader and less intense.

FAQs

How can I use "is at war" in a sentence?

The phrase "is at war" is used to describe a state of armed conflict. For example, "The nation "is at war" with its neighbor over disputed territory."

What are some alternatives to "is at war"?

Alternatives include "is in conflict", "is engaged in hostilities", or "is fighting a war", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "is in war" instead of "is at war"?

While "is in war" might seem grammatically similar, "is at war" is the idiomatic and commonly accepted phrase. "Is in war" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "is at war" and "is in a conflict"?

"Is at war" typically implies a formal or declared state of armed conflict, whereas "is in a conflict" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of dispute or struggle, not necessarily involving military action.