tide of war

USAGE SUMMARY

'tide of war' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a conflict or battle, either current, past, or ongoing. For example, "The tide of war began to turn with the arrival of reinforcements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The tide of war is receding.

Independent

Yes, the tide of war is receding.

The New York Times

The tide of war now turned against the aggressors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

UK and US hope to repeat success of strategy that turned tide of war in Iraq.

Independent

The president is fond of saying that "the tide of war is receding".

The New York Times

But as I said in my speech, the tide of war is receding.

The New York Times

Yet tonight, we take comfort in knowing that the tide of war is receding.

The New York Times

Even as our troops continue to fight in Afghanistan, the tide of war is receding.

The New York Times

As the tide of war turned, the city fell to the Misrata brigade.

Independent

The Jews blaze away ineffectually with rifles and submachineguns until, miraculously, the tide of war turns.

The Guardian - Opinion

It did not, as some of the book's publicity has suggested, turn the tide of war.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tide of war" to effectively convey shifts in momentum or overall conditions within a conflict. It's a powerful metaphor for describing turning points or periods of advancement and retreat.

Common error

Avoid using "tide of war" to describe static situations. The phrase implies movement and change, so it's inappropriate when referring to a conflict that is stagnant or showing no signs of progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tide of war" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It's a metaphorical expression that refers to the fluctuating fortunes and momentum of a conflict. Ludwig shows examples where it denotes turning points or shifts in a war's progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tide of war" is a commonly used metaphor to describe the fluctuating state and changing momentum of a conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, often appearing in news reports, historical analyses, and academic discussions. The phrase is used to convey the shifting fortunes of war, the ebb and flow of battles, and the evolving dynamics between opposing forces. While the phrase is most common in news and media contexts, it can also be found in encyclopedias and academic texts. When using the phrase, it is important to consider its metaphorical nature and ensure it appropriately reflects the dynamic nature of the conflict being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turning point in the conflict

Emphasizes a critical moment that significantly alters the war's outcome.

course of the conflict

Focuses on the sequential progression of events within the war.

direction of the war

Highlights the shifting momentum and strategic paths taken during the war.

ebb and flow of battle

Emphasizes the fluctuating intensity and territorial gains in combat.

changing dynamics of the war

Highlights alterations in the relationships and forces at play within the conflict.

war's trajectory

Implies a projected or observed path the war is following.

evolution of the war

Suggests a gradual unfolding and transformation of the conflict over time.

shifting fortunes of war

Draws attention to how advantages and disadvantages change between sides.

war's progress

Indicates advancement or development in the war's overall state.

state of hostilities

Describes the current condition and intensity of the armed conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "tide of war" in a sentence?

You can use "tide of war" to describe shifts in momentum during a conflict, such as, "The "tide of war" turned after the Battle of Gettysburg" or "The general aimed to reverse the "tide of war" with a new offensive."

What's a similar phrase to "tide of war"?

Alternatives to "tide of war" include "course of the conflict", "direction of the war", or "ebb and flow of battle", each emphasizing different aspects of a conflict's progression.

Is "tide of war" appropriate for describing any type of conflict?

"Tide of war" is most fitting for describing large-scale military conflicts or prolonged battles where momentum can visibly shift. It may not be suitable for minor skirmishes or disputes with limited impact.

What does it mean when someone says the "tide of war" is receding?

When someone says the "tide of war" is receding, it typically means that the intensity of the conflict is decreasing, there are fewer active engagements, and the overall level of violence is diminishing. It suggests a move towards de-escalation or resolution.