to enlist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to enlist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of enrolling or signing up for something, such as military service or a program. Example: "She decided to enlist in the army after finishing high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I wanted to enlist.

The New York Times

We want to enlist.

The New York Times

They are harder to enlist, too.

The Economist

White was ready to enlist celebrity friends.

The New York Times - Sports

She plans to enlist in the Navy.

The New York Times

But he still longs to enlist.

The New York Times

Ostensibly, they were there to enlist.

The New York Times

That was when he decided to enlist.

The New York Times

Are they encouraging their children to enlist?

The New York Times

He wanted to enlist in the Army".

The New York Times

He hoped to enlist Ritter as a stool donor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to enlist", ensure the context clearly indicates the entity or cause being joined. For example, "to enlist in the army" or "to enlist support for the project".

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "enlist". It's generally "enlist in" for military service or "enlist someone's help/support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to enlist" primarily functions as an infinitive, often used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of enrolling or joining something, particularly the military as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

The Guardian - Film

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to enlist" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that commonly refers to joining an organization or securing support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, but predominantly within news and media. For optimal usage, remember to use the correct preposition ("in" for military, "help/support" for assistance) and to ensure clarity in the context. Alternatives like "to enroll", "to sign up", and "to join" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use "to enlist" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enroll

Focuses on the action of formally registering or entering a name on a list.

to sign up

Emphasizes the act of committing oneself by signing a document or agreement.

to join

Highlights the act of becoming a member of a group or organization.

to recruit

Involves actively seeking and persuading individuals to join a cause or organization.

to engage

Implies a commitment to participate or become involved in a particular activity.

to volunteer

Highlights the act of offering oneself freely for a particular service.

to register

Focuses on the formal process of recording one's name or details on an official list.

to muster

Refers to gathering or assembling individuals for a specific purpose.

to draft

Highlights the act of compelling individuals to join a service or organization.

to secure

Focuses on obtaining or gaining something, such as support or assistance.

FAQs

What does "to enlist" mean?

The phrase "to enlist" generally means to enroll or join, particularly in military service. It can also refer to gaining support or help for a cause or organization.

How can I use "to enlist" in a sentence?

You can use "to enlist" in a sentence like, "She decided "to enlist" in the Navy after graduating high school" or "The organization sought "to enlist" volunteers for the upcoming event".

What are some alternatives to "to enlist"?

Some alternatives to "to enlist" include "to enroll", "to sign up", "to join", or "to recruit", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "enlist to the army"?

No, the correct phrasing is "enlist in the army". The preposition "in" is typically used when referring to joining a branch of the military. Enrolling "to the army" is grammatically incorrect.