onset of war

USAGE SUMMARY

"onset of war" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the beginning or start of a war. For example, "The onset of war caused great upheaval in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

[C7.] Despite the onset of war, many marketers are sticking to their campaigns in weekly newsmagazines.

The New York Times

Failure to accomplish many of these objectives could delay or complicate the onset of war.

The New York Times

This indignity, plus the onset of war, put an end to his sporting career.

The Guardian - Sport

President Bush made his charge against Iraq in a State of the Union address well before the onset of war.

The New York Times

Mr. Blix's news conference was dominated by questions of what Iraqi act of obstruction might prompt the onset of war.

The New York Times

Mr. Bethune said this was because of low passenger demand, not because of the imminent onset of war.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

If 9/11 was indeed the onset of World War III, we have to understand what this war is about.

The New York Times

However, with the onset of World War II, Wouk traveled to Washington D.C. in order to use his talent to support the war effort.

Columbia University

With the onset of World War II, Saunders decided to temporarily discontinue her research to work as a volunteer to aid the Allied war effort in England.

Britannica

Its slide in the rankings roughly corresponds to the onset of the war on terror.

The New Yorker

The onset of World War I contributed to the forgetting process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, use "onset of war" to clearly indicate the starting point of the conflict. This provides a specific temporal reference for subsequent events.

Common error

While "onset" often refers to negative events, remember it simply means 'beginning'. Ensure your sentence's context clarifies the specific implications of the "onset of war", such as economic changes or social impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "onset of war" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes the commencement or beginning of a war, providing a temporal reference point for subsequent events. Examples show it used to describe the impact and circumstances surrounding the start of a conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "onset of war" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the beginning of a war. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to inform and set the stage for discussions about conflict. While the topic itself is serious, the phrase is neutral and widely applicable. Alternatives include "outbreak of war" or "start of hostilities". Remember to use it to provide a clear temporal reference when writing about historical events and be mindful of the implications of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outbreak of war

Emphasizes the sudden and often unexpected beginning of a war.

start of hostilities

Focuses on the commencement of aggressive actions or fighting.

commencement of war

A more formal way of saying the war has begun.

beginning of the war

A straightforward and simple way to describe the start of the war.

initiation of conflict

Highlights the act of initiating or setting off a conflict.

dawn of war

Uses metaphorical language to describe the start of a war, suggesting a new era.

triggering of war

Emphasizes the action or event that sets the war in motion.

eruption of conflict

Suggests a sudden and violent beginning of a conflict.

escalation to war

Focuses on the process of a situation worsening until it becomes a war.

genesis of the war

Refers to the origin or initial creation of the war.

FAQs

What does "onset of war" mean?

"Onset of war" refers to the beginning or start of a war, marking the commencement of hostilities and conflict.

How can I use "onset of war" in a sentence?

You can use "onset of war" to describe the initial period of conflict, such as, "The "onset of war" caused widespread displacement and economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "onset of war"?

Alternatives include "outbreak of war", "start of hostilities", or "commencement of war", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the beginning of conflict.

Is "onset of war" a formal or informal phrase?

"Onset of war" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in news reports and academic discussions.