a ceasefire vs the ceasefire

Both 'a ceasefire' and 'the ceasefire' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A ceasefire' is used when referring to a temporary halt in fighting or hostilities without specifying a particular ceasefire. 'The ceasefire' is used when referring to a specific, known ceasefire that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 812 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a temporary halt in fighting or hostilities without specifying a particular ceasefire.

"a ceasefire"

Use 'a ceasefire' when talking about a temporary cessation of hostilities without specifying a specific ceasefire agreement or event.

Examples:

The two warring factions agreed to a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas.
The United Nations called for a ceasefire in the conflict zone to prevent further civilian casualties.

Show examples from the web [+]

A ceasefire (or truce) is a temporary stoppage of a war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Ceasefires may be declared as ...
Aug 9, 2014 ... Pro-Russian separatists have said they were ready for a ceasefire with the Kiev government after increasing gains by Ukrainian forces against ...
A ceasefire in Gaza. Long may it hold. Israelis and Palestinians breathe a sigh of relief. But the respite may not last. Aug 30th 2014 | From the print edition.
... of new clashes as well as a ceasefire between the Turkish army and the PKK. ... Saturday they accepted Yemen's conditions for a ceasefire, which had been ...

Alternatives:

a truce
a cessation of hostilities
a temporary peace agreement
a halt in fighting
a pause in hostilities

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific, known ceasefire that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

"the ceasefire"

Use 'the ceasefire' when referring to a specific ceasefire agreement or event that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Examples:

The ceasefire declared last week has been violated by both sides.
Negotiations are underway to extend the ceasefire in the region.

Show examples from the web [+]

Upon agreeing to the ceasefire agreement, the belligerents established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which has since been patrolled by the KPA and ...
Dec 2, 2014 ... In light of the evident failure of the ceasefire, talks are today scheduled to take place between military representatives of Ukraine, Russia and ...
“While neither side ever completely respected the ceasefire terms, the Israeli raid was far and away the biggest violation,” said Stephen Zunes, an expert on the ...
Sep 12, 2014 ... Since then Hamas has not fired a single rocket, attacked an Israeli target, or done anything to break the terms of the ceasefire. Israel has done ...

Alternatives:

the truce
the peace agreement
the cessation of hostilities
the halt in fighting
the pause in hostilities

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a ceasefire vs the ceasefire

"a ceasefire"

"the ceasefire"

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