launch an invasion

USAGE SUMMARY

'Launch an invasion' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the sudden and forceful entry of an army into a country or region. For example: The emperor planned to launch an invasion on the neighboring kingdom in order to gain more territory.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Hitler, of course, was going to launch an invasion anyway.

The New Yorker

The alternative, the reasoning goes, was to launch an invasion.

The New York Times

Five weeks before, the paper had confidently predicted that Britain would never defy world opinion and launch an invasion.

The Guardian

It would also give the Old Pretender the prospect of French military aid to launch an invasion against Britain itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Israel withdrew from Lebanon, the Hezbollah militia, on the other side, went on hating Israel and harassing the border -- but it never tried to launch an invasion.

The New York Times

Stalin was afraid that Hitler would use the slightest pretext to launch an invasion, and warned his forces to do nothing provocative.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

China, who supported Pol Pot, launched an invasion of Vietnam's northern frontier in Feb., 1979.

The New Yorker

In March 2003 U.S. forces launched an invasion of Iraq (see Iraq War).

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a few months the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev lost his patience and launched an invasion that began on 20 August 1968.

Independent

THIRTY years ago, on Yom Kippur—Judaism's holiest day Egypt and Syria launched an invasion of Israel.

The Economist

They would fulfill their promise, launching an invasion of Western Europe on June 6 , 1944 with the D-Day landings at Normandy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, use "launch an invasion" to clearly indicate the commencement of military action. It provides a direct and unambiguous description of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "launch an invasion" metaphorically when describing non-military actions. The phrase is specific and its misuse can be confusing or unintentionally hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launch an invasion" functions as a verbal phrase, where "launch" acts as a verb initiating the action and "an invasion" serves as the direct object. Ludwig provides many examples of its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launch an invasion" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the commencement of military actions. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While most common in news, encyclopedias, and historical contexts, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding metaphorical extensions that could dilute its impact. Alternative phrases such as "initiate a military assault" or "commence hostilities" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a military assault

Focuses on the commencement of a military action, emphasizing the planned and strategic nature.

commence hostilities

Highlights the start of warfare or conflict, suitable for formal or historical contexts.

begin military operations

Emphasizes the operational aspect of the military action, suggesting a planned and executed campaign.

undertake an offensive

Stresses the aggressive nature of the action, implying a strategic push against an enemy.

mount a military incursion

Highlights the forceful entry into a territory, focusing on the military aspect and the breach of borders.

wage a war

Implies a sustained period of conflict, broader in scope than a single invasion.

storm the borders

Emphasizes the forceful breaching of borders with a more visceral, less formal tone.

make an inroad

Suggests initial progress or gains in a campaign, typically used when the invasion is ongoing.

go on the offensive

Focuses on assuming an aggressive posture, suggesting a shift from defense to attack.

set forth to conquer

Emphasizes the intent and ambition behind the military action, highlighting the goal of territorial gain.

FAQs

What does "launch an invasion" mean?

The phrase "launch an invasion" means to initiate a military attack on a country or territory, typically involving the entry of armed forces.

How to use "launch an invasion" in a sentence?

Example: The country decided to "launch an invasion" after diplomatic talks failed.

What are some alternatives to "launch an invasion"?

You can use alternatives such as "initiate a military assault", "commence hostilities", or "begin military operations" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "launch an invasion" in a metaphorical sense?

While sometimes used metaphorically, "launch an invasion" is strongest when referring to actual military actions. Overuse in other contexts can dilute its impact.