raise an army

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'raise an army' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe the act of gathering a large number of people in order to form a military force. Example: The king was determined to raise an army in order to defend his kingdom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Constitution said Congress could raise an army and navy.

The New York Times

You could raise an army of poets, equipped with the best weaponry.

The New Yorker

In the old days, a deposed monarch desirous of power would raise an army.

The New York Times

Zhu not only refused to serve the new rulers, he also attempted to raise an army against them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I will see them in Hell before I will raise an army for them," he declared in late 1861.

The New York Times

The ability to impose taxes, promulgate laws, count citizens and raise an army lies at the heart of statehood.

The Economist

In anarchic, failed states, it is easier to raise an army by declaring jihad than by advertising for teenagers to extort roadside bribes near the strongman's compound.

The New York Times - Books

In August 1990, when Iraq annexed Kuwait and threatened Saudi security, he offered to raise an army of Arab Afghan veterans to fight the "godless" Saddam.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In July 1335 a member of the Hōjō family succeeded in raising an army and recapturing Kamakura.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the same time, the revolutionary government raised an army of more than one million men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Béla raised an army in Poland and led it back to Hungary in 1060.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raise an army" when you want to convey the idea of actively gathering or creating a military force, often in response to a threat or for a specific campaign. The phrase implies initiative and purpose.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that suggests the army spontaneously appeared. "An army was raised" lacks the directness and agency of actively stating who initiated the action to "raise an army". Be sure that the subject taking the action is clearly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise an army" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of forming or recruiting a military force. Ludwig examples show it used in both historical and contemporary contexts, referring to the act of preparing for conflict or asserting power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise an army" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the act of forming or gathering a military force. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, with a generally neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "assemble a military force" or "muster troops" exist, "raise an army" maintains a clear and direct connotation of proactive military preparation. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying who is performing the action and avoiding passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build up an army

Suggests a gradual process of increasing the size and strength of the army.

assemble a military force

Emphasizes the act of bringing together existing units or personnel.

mobilize an army

Focuses on preparing and deploying an existing or newly formed army for action.

organize a military

Highlights the structure and planning involved in creating an army.

muster troops

More formal and often implies gathering troops for inspection or deployment.

create a legion

Refers to the establishment of a large military unit, especially in historical contexts.

form a regiment

Focuses on the organizational aspect of creating a structured military unit.

enlist a fighting force

Similar to "recruit soldiers" but can refer to any group prepared for combat, not just a formal army.

recruit soldiers

Highlights the process of enlisting individuals into the army.

develop a war machine

Suggests a more comprehensive effort involving not only troops but also equipment and strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "raise an army" in a sentence?

You can use "raise an army" to describe the act of forming a military force. For example, "The general planned to "raise an army" to defend the border."

What are some alternatives to "raise an army"?

Some alternatives include "assemble a military force", "muster troops", or "build up an army", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "raised an army"?

Yes, "raised an army" is grammatically correct as the past tense of "raise an army". For example, "The king "raised an army" and marched to war."

What is the difference between "raise an army" and "command an army"?

"Raise an army" refers to the act of creating or gathering a military force, while "command an army" refers to leading an existing military force in battle or other operations. They describe different stages of military involvement.