war machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "war machine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any large force of organized military personnel, weapons, and/or equipment that is used to wage war. For example: "The opposing army's superior war machine proved to be too much for us to handle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

War Machine.

The New York Times - Books

It's almost like a war machine.

The New Yorker

War Machine changed all that.

The Guardian - Film

This track, War Machine, is particularly stunning.

The Guardian - Music

(That, too, is fictionalized in "War Machine").

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, that's not the way the American war machine works.

Independent

"The New War Machine," by Peter J. Boyer, June 30 , 2003

The New Yorker

"She's so good at this war machine stuff, it's sad".

The New York Times

TANK: The Progress of a Monstrous War Machine.

The New York Times - Books

The trail finishes at the war machine statue.

The Guardian - Books

The war machine, after all, was not invented by America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "war machine", consider the connotations of power, efficiency, and sometimes, ruthlessness.

Common error

Avoid using "war machine" to refer to a single weapon or a small unit. It's best suited for describing the entirety of a military's resources and operations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "war machine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the collective military resources and infrastructure of a nation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "war machine" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a nation's collective military resources and infrastructure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, where it serves to describe or analyze military capabilities. While generally neutral in register, its connotations of power and efficiency should be considered. Alternatives include "military force", "armed forces", and "military apparatus". The usage examples provided by Ludwig highlight the phrase's versatility and broad applicability in discussions about military matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

armed forces

A standard term referring to a nation's military.

military force

A general term for the armed forces of a nation.

military power

Focuses on the strength and capability of a nation's military.

military apparatus

Focuses on the organizational aspect of the military.

military juggernaut

Implies an unstoppable and overwhelming military force.

military establishment

Emphasizes the institutional nature of the armed forces.

arsenal of war

Highlights the collection of weapons and military equipment.

defense infrastructure

Highlights the physical and organizational structures supporting military action.

war-making capacity

Focuses on the ability of a nation to engage in warfare.

war effort

Emphasizes the collective actions and resources dedicated to warfare.

FAQs

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

You can use "war machine" to describe a nation's military might, as in, "The nation's war machine was mobilized for the conflict".

What are some alternatives to "war machine"?

You can use alternatives like "military force", "armed forces", or "military apparatus" depending on the context.

What does the phrase "war machine" imply?

The phrase "war machine" implies a powerful, efficient, and often ruthless military force capable of waging war effectively. It suggests a well-organized and well-equipped system.

Is it appropriate to use "war machine" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate, especially in news and analytical contexts. However, consider the connotations and whether a more neutral term like "military establishment" might be more suitable for highly formal or sensitive situations.