paramilitary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paramilitary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe groups that are organized similarly to military forces but are not officially part of the armed forces, often involved in political or social activities. Example: "The region has seen an increase in paramilitary groups that operate outside the law, often clashing with government forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take two relatively recent scandals of agents the forces of law and order were running within two main paramilitary force as evidence of this.

The Guardian

It is now beyond doubt that by the early 1990s the British state had agents littered all over the most effective paramilitary movement in the western world – the Provisional IRA.

The Guardian

In the year since the resignation of Progressive Unionist party leader Dawn Purvis, it has become depressingly clear among acute observers of Belfast's loyalist communities that the loyalist paramilitary UVF has been purposefully ratcheting up tensions among its youthful foot soldiers to show some muscle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leon Lotz was once a member of the Koevoet – "crowbar" in Afrikaans – a paramilitary police unit created by South Africa's apartheid regime to root out guerrillas in what is now Namibia.

The Guardian

He meant by this clear and unambiguous signals from the IRA that it was ceasing to be an active paramilitary force.

The Guardian

Commanders of pro-Kiev paramilitary units said on Wednesday morning that some pro-government forces were pulling out of Debaltseve, which has been under siege from Russia-backed separatists.

The Guardian

As part of a long-term counterinsurgency strategy, successive British governments poured billions into Northern Ireland not just to meet the paramilitary threat through a vast security apparatus but in addition to reform and rebuild.

The Guardian

The DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson, said Mr Blair and Mr Ahern had set out their understanding of Sinn Fein's position and the sort of wording the republican movement might use to declare the end of paramilitary activity.

The Guardian

It was a tough world and unionism's victory in the May 1974 general strike that brought down the power-sharing government could never happened without paramilitary muscle.

The Guardian

'There is no knowledge and no intelligence or information from main paramilitary groups on ceasefire.

The Guardian

Richard Needham, one of Thatcher's shrewdest and most amiable ministers at Stormont in the early 90s, once admitted that grand government-backed projects such as the creation of the Castlecourt shopping complex in Belfast were designed to give those in the heartlands of paramilitary violence a stake in their society.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paramilitary" to describe groups that operate with military-like organization and training but are not part of a formal military force. This is a crucial distinction for accurate reporting and analysis.

Common error

Avoid labeling official military units as "paramilitary". "Paramilitary" groups are distinct because they operate outside the formal military structure, even if they possess similar capabilities or training.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "paramilitary" is as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "paramilitary force") or as a noun referring to a paramilitary group. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "paramilitary" is a common and grammatically correct descriptor for groups organized and trained like a military but not part of a formal army. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is usable in written English, primarily appearing in "News & Media" contexts. While synonyms like "irregular forces" or "militia group" exist, "paramilitary" offers a specific connotation of military-like structure outside official state control. When writing about "paramilitary" groups, ensure accuracy in distinguishing them from official military units and be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations. The phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register and is frequently encountered in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quasi-military organization

Stresses the imitation of military structures and functions.

non-state armed actors

Highlights the fact that they don't officially represent a state.

unofficial armed forces

Emphasizes the lack of official government sanction or recognition.

irregular forces

Focuses on the non-standard nature of the forces.

militia group

Highlights the citizen-based nature and armed organization.

insurgent group

Emphasizes the rebellious aspect of the group.

guerilla fighters

Emphasizes the fighting tactics of the group.

vigilante group

Highlights the self-appointed and often extra-legal nature of the group.

private army

Highlights the private funding and control of the forces.

rebel faction

Focuses on the rebellious and divisive aspect.

FAQs

How is "paramilitary" different from military?

"Paramilitary" groups are organized and trained like a military but are not part of a country's official armed forces. They often operate independently or semi-independently from government control.

What is the correct way to use "paramilitary" in a sentence?

You can say, "The region has seen an increase in "paramilitary groups" that operate outside the law", or "The government is struggling to control "paramilitary activity" in the border regions".

What are some synonyms for "paramilitary"?

Alternatives include "irregular forces", "militia group", or "guerilla fighters", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "paramilitary" in formal writing?

Yes, "paramilitary" is a recognized and appropriate term for formal writing when accurately describing groups with military-like organization and training that are not part of a formal military.