old enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "old enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person or group that has been an adversary for a long time, often evoking a sense of history or past conflict. Example: "After years of rivalry, the two nations found themselves facing their old enemy once again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Especially against the old enemy.

Independent

Its old enemy, Communism, is gone.

The New York Times

But Mr. Yevkurov was addressing an old enemy.

The New York Times

On Sunday they play Manchester United, the old enemy.

The Guardian - Sport

And incidentally, our old enemy liberalism has died".

The New York Times

Several spoke of helping their old enemy in Vietnam.

The New York Times

The crowd roared its willingness to fight the old enemy.

The New York Times

Our old enemy Russia is our new ally.

The New York Times

In this chapter we address the many ways humans confront an old enemy, with remarkable success most of the time.

Viruses Molecular Biology, Host Interactions and Applications to Biotechnology

England in the Six Nations is always huge, the old enemy and all that.

Independent

Never mind that its successor, the Kuomintang, is the Chinese Communist Party's old enemy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "old enemy", ensure the context clearly establishes the historical basis and duration of the animosity. This adds depth and resonance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "old enemy" for trivial or short-lived conflicts. Reserve it for situations where the antagonism has a significant history and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "old enemy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it referring to nations, political figures, or abstract concepts that have a history of antagonism. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "old enemy" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a long-standing adversary. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it's frequently used in News & Media to describe historical and political conflicts. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to ensure the context justifies the historical weight the phrase carries. Consider alternatives like "longtime foe" or "former adversary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptability across various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longtime foe

Emphasizes duration of the antagonistic relationship.

old nemesis

Focuses on a persistent and often personal enemy.

former adversary

Highlights that the adversarial relationship may no longer be active.

ancient rival

Implies the rivalry is very old and deeply rooted.

previous antagonist

Indicates a past adversarial role that may no longer exist.

historical opponent

Focuses on the historical aspect of the opposition.

long-standing competitor

Suggests ongoing rivalry, particularly in a competitive context.

inveterate foe

Implies a deep-seated and habitual enmity.

arch-rival

Highlights the intensity and significance of the rivalry.

traditional adversary

Emphasizes that the adversarial relationship is part of a long-established pattern or tradition.

FAQs

How can I use "old enemy" in a sentence?

You can use "old enemy" to refer to a person, group, or entity that has been a long-standing adversary. For example, "After years of conflict, the two nations found themselves facing their "old enemy" once again."

What are some alternatives to "old enemy"?

Some alternatives to "old enemy" include "longtime foe", "former adversary", or "ancient rival". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "old enemy" in formal writing?

Yes, "old enemy" can be used in formal writing, particularly when discussing historical or political conflicts. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate. Alternatives like "historical opponent" might be more suitable in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "old enemy" and "arch-rival"?

"Old enemy" emphasizes the duration of the animosity, while "arch-rival" highlights the intensity and significance of the rivalry. One can be both an "old enemy" and an "arch-rival", but the terms focus on different aspects of the relationship.