start the war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the initiation of a conflict or military action. Example: "The leaders of the opposing nations met to discuss peace, but tensions escalated, leading some to believe they might start the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Serbs did not start the war.

The Guardian

Should we start the war again?

The Guardian

But the British did not start the war.

The Guardian - Books

But if you start the war, win the war.

The New York Times

In the Matrix world we start the war with them; in the Terminator world they start the war with us.

MIT Technology Review

Uttering his famous remark "We'll start the war from here!" he ordered the division to advance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

From this book you wouldn't be aware that Macdonald's New Yorker review of Michael Harrington's "Other America" helped jump-start the war on poverty.

The New York Times - Books

Hezbollah started the war, after all.

The New Yorker

"Starting the war was stupid," Dr. Shimomura replied.

The New York Times - Science

But he blames Mr Saakashvili for starting the war.

The Economist

When they started the war, they didn't consult us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more formal alternatives like "initiate hostilities" in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "start the war" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "initiate conflict", "commence hostilities", or "trigger the conflict" to maintain a serious and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the war" functions as a verb phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of initiating armed conflict. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start the war" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the initiation of armed conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and understood, although more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in encyclopedias and wiki articles. When writing about conflict, it's important to consider the audience and the level of formality required to ensure that the language is appropriate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the conflict

A straightforward and neutral alternative to "start the war".

initiate hostilities

A more formal and neutral way to describe beginning a conflict.

trigger the war

Focuses on the action that sets off the war, rather than the starting itself.

spark the conflict

Similar to 'trigger', suggesting a smaller action leading to a larger conflict.

commence the fighting

Emphasizes the action of fighting rather than the broader concept of war.

open hostilities

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying to begin a war.

launch the aggression

Highlights the aggressive nature of starting a war.

incite the war

Suggests provoking or encouraging the start of a war.

set the stage for war

Focuses on the preparations and conditions leading to the start of the war.

unleash the war

Implies a forceful and uncontrolled release of violence and conflict.

FAQs

What does "start the war" mean?

The phrase "start the war" means to initiate or begin a conflict or period of armed hostility between opposing groups or nations.

What can I say instead of "start the war"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate hostilities", "begin the conflict", or "trigger the war" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "start the war" in formal writing?

While "start the war" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "initiate hostilities" or "commence hostilities" in those contexts.

What are some examples of events that "start the war"?

Examples of events that "start the war" could include a declaration of war, a surprise attack, or a series of escalating political and military actions that lead to armed conflict.