religious war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "religious war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conflict or disagreement between two different religious groups, typically leading to violence or armed conflict. For example, "The religious war between the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland lasted for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a religious war.

The Washington Post

A religious war erupted.

Britannica

This is not a religious war.

The New York Times

"It will possibly be a religious war".

The New York Times

Sudan has much experience with religious war.

The New York Times

But it is a religious war.

The New York Times

"And a religious war cannot be solved".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Work to break the Saudi-Sunni mindset of religious war-making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most analyses cite his claim that the Culture War was "a religious war..

University of Chicago

Read "Spiraling Violence Puts Brakes on Central African Republic's Journey to Democracy".

Vice

Related: Blood Diamonds and Religious War: Diamonds and Division.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "religious war", clearly define the specific religions or sects involved to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "religious war" as a blanket term for all conflicts with a religious element. Nuance is crucial; consider if religious differences are a primary cause or a contributing factor alongside other political or economic issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "religious war" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It serves to categorize and label a specific type of conflict rooted in religious differences, as seen in the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "religious war" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a conflict primarily motivated by religious differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, academic analyses, and encyclopedic descriptions. While the phrase is useful for categorizing such conflicts, it's important to consider the nuances of each situation and avoid overgeneralization, acknowledging that other factors may contribute to the conflict. Alternatives like "sectarian conflict" or "interfaith struggle" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

religious strife

Emphasizes the discord and friction arising from religious differences.

religious hostilities

Highlights the antagonistic and unfriendly relations arising from religious differences.

sectarian conflict

Focuses on conflict between different sects or denominations within a religion, rather than between different religions.

creed war

A more direct substitution, replacing "religious" with a synonym related to beliefs.

faith-based violence

Specifically refers to acts of violence motivated by religious beliefs.

war of religions

Emphasizes the conflict as a clash between distinct religious systems.

interfaith struggle

Highlights the struggle or conflict between different religious faiths.

holy war

Implies a war sanctioned or justified by religious beliefs, often with divine mandate.

ideological clash

Broader term encompassing conflicts stemming from differing belief systems, including religious ones.

theological dispute

Focuses on disagreements over religious doctrines and interpretations.

FAQs

How can I use "religious war" in a sentence?

You can use "religious war" to describe a conflict primarily caused by religious differences, such as: "The Thirty Years' War is often characterized as a "religious war" between Catholics and Protestants".

What is another way to say "religious war"?

Alternatives include "sectarian conflict", "holy war", or "interfaith struggle" depending on the specific context and nature of the conflict.

What differentiates a "religious war" from a "civil war" with religious elements?

A "religious war" primarily focuses on religious differences as the main driver of conflict, whereas a "civil war" may involve religious elements alongside political, economic, or ethnic factors. The key lies in whether religion is the central cause or one of many contributing factors.

Is every conflict involving religious groups considered a "religious war"?

No. A conflict is considered a "religious war" when religious ideology or differences are the primary cause. Conflicts involving religious groups may also be driven by political, economic, or ethnic motivations, and labeling them solely as "religious wars" can be an oversimplification.