original enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "original enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the first or initial adversary in a particular context, such as a story, conflict, or competition. Example: "In the sequel, the protagonist must confront their original enemy, who has returned with a vengeance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the end, a military strategy devised to deter attack by the Soviet Union will have outlived its original enemy by at least half a century.

The Guardian

The story does not change, and original enemy statistics will remain at default.

Wikipedia

All members of the development team played and finished the original Enemy Unknown game – they were required to do so if they had not already when they joined the team.

Wikipedia

It makes perfect sense that out of the horrors of the war in Iraq a resistance army would arise that is far more pernicious, ruthless, and fanatical than the original enemy the US sought to defeat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Often, wealthy interest groups -- Hiram Johnson's original enemies -- have financed the drives.

The New York Times

Having vanquished his original enemies - political opponents, the adult entertainment industry, taxi drivers, street vendors, the media, museums and jaywalkers - he made two new foes: prostate cancer and his second wife, the actor Donna Hanover.

The Guardian

Another note on the Irish question says that "historically" Catholics "were also the original enemies to the Evangelist Protestant who were the vanguard of the Crusades" — odd given that the Crusades preceded the Reformation by a couple of centuries.

The New Yorker

SSE boasts a number of original enemies, such as the Roader, a robotic unicycle; the Bytan, a one-eyed, ball-like creature which can replicate itself if left alone; and the Primid, enemies that fight with a variety of weapons.

Wikipedia

The Subspace Emissary also boasts a number of original enemies, such as the Roader, a robotic unicycle; the Bytan, a one-eyed ball-like creature which can replicate itself if left alone; and the Primid, enemies that come in many variations.

Wikipedia

In contrast to the 1962 original, the enemy is now a shadowy corporation, not the North Koreans and their Communist allies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Firaxis' 2012 strategy title was a remake of a 1994 original, UFO: Enemy Unknown, which cast you as the commander charged with responding to an alien invasion of Earth – building up the eponymous organisation, responding to attacks across the globe, and hunting down alien operating bases.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "original enemy", ensure the context clearly establishes who the "new" or subsequent enemies are, to avoid ambiguity. For example, in a story, introduce the "original enemy" early on and then contrast them with later, perhaps more formidable, foes.

Common error

Avoid using "original enemy" when referring to the current or most pressing threat. Use it specifically to denote the initial adversary that may have been superseded by others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "original enemy" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "original" modifies the noun "enemy". This phrase serves to specify the initial or first adversary in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is usable in written English. Ludwig's examples showcase this in various narrative and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "original enemy" is used to denote the initial adversary or foe in a particular situation, story, or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase appears mostly in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts, it can be found in other types of writing as well. Alternative phrases, such as "initial adversary" or "primary foe", can be used to achieve a similar meaning, but the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. Keep in mind that "original enemy" should be used to refer to the first enemy and must not be confused with current or more menacing foes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first enemy

Simply omits the adjective "original" while keeping almost the same meaning.

original antagonist

Focuses on the initial adversary within a story or narrative.

initial adversary

Replaces "original" with "initial" while maintaining the core meaning of the first opponent.

first antagonist

Substitutes "enemy" with "antagonist", emphasizing the adversarial role in a narrative context.

primary foe

Replaces "original enemy" with a more direct and concise expression, emphasizing the main antagonist.

initial opponent

Similar to "initial adversary", but uses "opponent" for a slightly less hostile connotation.

first rival

Replaces "enemy" with "rival", suggesting a competitive rather than antagonistic relationship.

starting adversary

Uses "starting" instead of "original" but keeps the sense of the beginning of a conflict.

initial combatant

Emphasizes the act of fighting by using "combatant" instead of "enemy".

chief nemesis

Implies a more significant and persistent antagonistic relationship than "original enemy".

FAQs

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

You can use "original enemy" to refer to the initial adversary in a conflict or narrative. For example: "The hero returned to face his "original enemy" after years of preparation."

What are some alternatives to "original enemy"?

Some alternatives to "original enemy" include "initial adversary", "first antagonist", or "primary foe" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the original enemy" or "an original enemy"?

The choice between "the" and "an" depends on the context. Use "the" when referring to a specific, previously identified enemy. Use "an" when introducing one of potentially many enemies for the first time: "He faced an "original enemy", a challenge he hadn't anticipated."

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

"Original enemy" refers to the first adversary encountered, while "arch-enemy" describes a particularly significant and long-standing foe, regardless of whether they were the first. An "arch-enemy" represents a major, recurring threat.