wage war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wage war" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a literal physical battle between two sides, or when expressing a metaphorical battle between two groups. For example: "The two countries decided to wage war against each other in an effort to gain control of the disputed region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How did they wage war?

The New York Times - Arts

We shall not wage war.

The Guardian

It's another human way to wage war.

The Guardian

AMERICA invaded Afghanistan to wage war on terrorism.

The Economist

Theirs is not to wage war but to salvage affection.

The New York Times

Neither can anyone "crush" terror, or wage war on it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not advantageous for us to wage war.

The New York Times

"Japan must never wage war again," he said.

The Guardian

In other words: Please give us authority to wage war.

The Guardian - Opinion

Greg Sargent: Democrats must wage war against Trump's lies.

The Washington Post

Will they now wage war on homegrown rightwing extremism?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wage war" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the struggle or conflict you are referring to, to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "wage war" in overly casual situations where simpler terms like "compete" or "oppose" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wage war" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging in warfare or a similarly intense conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. It describes a deliberate and sustained effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wage war" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies engaging in conflict, either literally or metaphorically. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. While "wage war" is most frequently found in news and media, it appears in encyclopedias and scientific publications as well. When using "wage war", it's important to consider the tone and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Related phrases include "conduct hostilities" and "engage in conflict", which offer subtle variations in meaning. While generally neutral in register, overusing the term in informal situations could create an overly dramatic effect. Finally, using "wage war" metaphorically can add emphasis to a struggle, but ensure the context remains clear to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make war

A more archaic, yet direct, way of saying "wage war".

engage in warfare

Emphasizes the strategic and tactical aspects of war.

conduct hostilities

More formal and emphasizes the active management of military actions.

prosecute a war

Emphasizes the legal and determined continuation of a war effort.

engage in conflict

A broader term, covering various types of disputes, not necessarily military.

take up arms

Highlights the physical act of preparing for battle.

initiate aggression

Focuses on the act of starting a conflict or attack.

enter into combat

Focuses on the entry or beginning of a battle.

launch an offensive

Specifically refers to starting a large-scale attack.

start a fight

More informal and can refer to a smaller-scale conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "wage war" to describe a literal war between nations, or metaphorically to describe a strong effort against something. For example, "The country decided to wage war against its neighbor", or "The city is trying to wage war on homelessness".

What are some alternatives to "wage war"?

Some alternatives to "wage war" include "engage in conflict", "conduct hostilities", or "initiate aggression", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "wage war" in business contexts?

Yes, "wage war" can be used in business contexts to describe intense competition or strategic efforts against competitors. For example, "The company plans to wage war on its rivals with a new marketing campaign."

What's the difference between "wage war" and "make war"?

"Wage war" and "make war" are largely synonymous, both describing the act of engaging in warfare. However, "wage war" is the more commonly used and contemporary phrase, while "make war" is slightly more archaic.