military incursion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "military incursion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where military forces enter a territory, often without permission, typically for strategic or tactical reasons. Example: "The country faced international condemnation following its military incursion into neighboring territory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A military incursion that followed met with almost no resistance.

The New York Times

It was Russia's first big military incursion beyond its borders since it invaded Afghanistan in 1979.

The Economist

The military incursion into Sadr City, widely anticipated for days, lacked any element of surprise.

The New York Times

Cimbri, a Germanic tribe whose military incursion into Roman Italy was thrust back in 101 bc.

Britannica

The government received permission from Parliament last week for a military incursion.

The New York Times

Jordan announced it would not be a "launching pad" for any military incursion into Syria.

The Guardian

The group had promised to retaliate in Kenya for the military incursion.

The Guardian

Turkey's parliament voted to authorise a military incursion into northern Iraq, where many Kurdish PKK fighters are based.

The Economist

Israeli politicians are demanding the assassination of Hamas leaders and a major military incursion to stop the rockets.

The New York Times

But, whatever else the military incursion into the Kurdish region is, it's a victory for Suleimani and Iran.

The New Yorker

The surge was a nonsustainable military incursion of Shiite Baghdad, which had the effect of curbing street-level violence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "military incursion" to describe a deliberate entry of military forces into a territory, often implying a violation of sovereignty or established boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "military incursion" when describing routine military exercises or deployments that are conducted with the permission of the host country. Reserve the term for situations involving unauthorized or aggressive entries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "military incursion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig suggests, it describes a specific type of action involving military forces entering a territory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "military incursion" is a noun phrase that describes the deliberate entry of military forces into a territory, often implying a violation of sovereignty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "military intervention" or "armed intervention" exist, "military incursion" specifically emphasizes the act of entering, often without permission. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the context of an unauthorized or aggressive military entry. This term is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for professional or formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

military intervention

Implies a broader scope of involvement, potentially including diplomatic or humanitarian efforts alongside military action.

armed intervention

Focuses specifically on the use of armed forces to intervene in a situation.

military invasion

Suggests a larger scale and more hostile entry into a territory, often with the intent of occupation or control.

military operation

A more general term encompassing a range of planned military activities.

military offensive

Highlights the aggressive nature of the military action, suggesting an attempt to gain ground or achieve a strategic objective.

military raid

Indicates a swift and targeted attack, often with a specific objective.

military encroachment

Emphasizes the gradual and often subtle intrusion of military forces into a territory.

military transgression

Highlights the act of crossing a boundary or violating a law with military force.

border skirmish

Refers to a minor and often unplanned military engagement along a border.

cross-border military action

Specifically refers to military actions that cross international borders.

FAQs

What does "military incursion" mean?

A "military incursion" refers to an entrance into a territory or domain by military forces, typically without permission or invitation, and often with hostile intent.

What are some synonyms for "military incursion"?

Alternatives include "military intervention", "armed intervention", and "military invasion", depending on the specific context and level of intensity.

Is "military incursion" a formal or informal term?

"Military incursion" is a neutral and relatively formal term commonly used in news reports, academic analyses, and official statements.

How does a "military incursion" differ from a "military operation"?

While "military operation" is a broad term for any planned military activity, a "military incursion" specifically implies an entry into a territory, often suggesting a violation of sovereignty or established boundaries.