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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 • 662 views

a ceasefire

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

the ceasefire

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

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.
  • 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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