mercenary forces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mercenary forces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to military personnel who are hired to serve in a foreign army or conflict, often for financial gain rather than loyalty to a nation. Example: "The country relied on mercenary forces to bolster its military capabilities during the ongoing conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

An able soldier, he carried out the difficult task of holding together the mercenary forces under his command.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their temporal power, however, began to decline when al-Muʿtaṣim introduced non-Muslim Berber, Slav, and especially Turkish mercenary forces into his personal army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During his tenure at the second chancery, Machiavelli persuaded Soderini to reduce the city's reliance on mercenary forces by establishing a militia (1505), which Machiavelli subsequently organized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the religiously tolerant Persians who ruled Egypt at the time, members of these groups were serving on Elephantine as mercenary forces guarding the country's southern frontier.

The New York Times - Arts

Before and during the Punic Wars, both Rome and Carthage had to fend off rebellions by mercenary forces that had not been paid.

The New York Times

Shadowy,undeclared mercenary forces are attractive for several reasons: they allow the Kremlin to maintain the fiction that Russia is fighting from the air only, giving Putin the opportunity to declare an easy victory and avoid public discontent over the loss of human lives during a dragged-out conflict.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The U.S. is concerned about NATO becoming a merely mercenary force, and would like it to wield more political influence.

The New Yorker

Allies can now expect to pay for their security umbrella, as the US military effectively turns into a mercenary force.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we had used a mercenary force in Vietnam, the war, in which I served, would have lasted far longer.

The New York Times

At his own expense he aided the future Habsburg emperor Ferdinand II with a mercenary force in the latter's war against Venice (1617).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several politicians said the move would make the Pakistani Army nothing more than a mercenary force, and they voiced concern about the dangers the troops would face.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or conflicts, use "mercenary forces" to accurately describe groups motivated primarily by financial gain.

Common error

Avoid using "mercenary forces" to describe national armies or militias with primary allegiance to a nation or cause; the term specifically denotes forces driven by monetary compensation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mercenary forces" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to military personnel motivated primarily by financial compensation rather than national loyalty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mercenary forces" accurately describes military groups primarily motivated by financial gain. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in historical, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While alternatives like "private military contractors" exist, "mercenary forces" often implies a less regulated or opportunistic engagement. When using the phrase, consider the potential for negative connotations and ensure it accurately reflects the motivations of the described group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contracted soldiers

Replaces "forces" with a more specific term for soldiers under contract.

private military contractors

Emphasizes the private and contractual nature of the military personnel.

paid fighters

Focuses on the monetary aspect of their motivation.

soldiers of fortune

A more figurative term emphasizing adventure and reward.

foreign legion

Highlights the foreign origin and legion structure.

auxiliary troops

Implies a support role to the main army.

hired guns

A colloquial term emphasizing their role as hired combatants.

professional soldiers

Highlights the professionalism and paid nature of the soldiers.

independent contractors

Focuses on their status as independent entities.

combat personnel

A more general term that emphasizes their combat role.

FAQs

How can I use "mercenary forces" in a sentence?

You can use "mercenary forces" to describe groups of soldiers hired for financial gain, such as, "The kingdom relied on "mercenary forces" to bolster its defenses."

What's a less formal way to say "mercenary forces"?

Less formal alternatives include "hired guns" or "paid fighters", though these may lack the precision of "mercenary forces".

Are "private military contractors" the same as "mercenary forces"?

While similar, "private military contractors" often operate with some degree of legal oversight, while "mercenary forces" implies a less regulated, more opportunistic engagement.

What is the historical significance of "mercenary forces"?

"Mercenary forces" have been a part of warfare for centuries, often playing crucial roles in conflicts where states lacked sufficient national armies or needed specialized skills.