going to a war vs going to war

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Going to war' is the more common and idiomatic expression, referring to the act of engaging in a war or conflict. On the other hand, 'going to a war' could be used in a specific context to emphasize a particular war or conflict that is being referred to.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 929 views

This phrase is correct in specific contexts where emphasis is placed on a particular war or conflict.

"going to a war"

This phrase can be used when referring to a specific war or conflict that is being discussed or planned for. It adds emphasis to the particular nature of the war.

Examples:

He is going to a war that will define his legacy.
The soldiers were going to a war they knew little about.

Show examples from the web [+]

Booth, ia week, you're going to a war zone.
Are you really going to a war tomorrow?
You're going to start a war with the South soon.
Excuse me. Lily may have wanted the perfect nuclear family, but this bomb is going to start a war.
Lily may have wanted the perfect nuclear family, but this bomb is going to start a war.
But it is going to start a war that we cannot win.
You're going to have a war on your hands.
If Cornaro's trail leads back to our front door, there's going to be a war between Chicago and Milwaukee.
They didn't want to hear from the sidelines that there's going to be a war.
There's going to be a war and here's some news.
If there is going to be a war, I need the right tools.
There's not going to be a war, Eric.
It's good to have a few kings and queens in reserve if you are going to start a war.
Best for her if there is going to be a war, anyway.
- That there's going to be a war.
He says there's going to be a war soon.
Our daddy says there isn't going to be a war.
Grandpa says there isn't going to be a war.
This year is going to be a war revolving around Gii.
You're going to be a war hero like your old man.

Alternatives:

participating in a war
heading to a war zone
engaging in a war
joining the war effort
entering a war

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to express the act of engaging in a war or conflict.

"going to war"

This phrase is widely used to indicate the act of entering into a war or conflict. It is a straightforward and commonly understood expression.

Examples:

The country is going to war to defend its borders.
The decision to go to war was met with mixed reactions.

Show examples from the web [+]

Those are words for going to war.
It's about going to war with your buddies.
Joltin' Joe let Americans forget that we were going to war.
The Tsar thinks he's going to war with Japan.
October's soldiers are going to war.
No matter what the chairman thinks, we're not going to war.
You should try going to war.
Busting some heads and going to war are two very different things.
I made the mistake of going to war.
I have no intention of going to war.
- I'm sure he doesn't, but we do if we're going to war.
I'm sure he doesn't, but we do if we're going to war.
Achieving peace by going to war with the military- industrial complex
For Hughie, going to war will mean parting from his new bride, Clara.
If we're going to war, I need to be ready.
Only thing you get out of going to war is a bigger body count.
Think of all the sad things we'd avoid if men would just talk about their problems instead of going to war.
So instead of going to war, the Alterans built a ship, left the galaxy and came here.
I mean, with me so close to going to war, and...
We're talking about two nations going to war!

Alternatives:

entering a war
engaging in a conflict
participating in a military operation
joining the battle
marching off to war

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going to a war vs going to war

"going to a war"

"going to war"

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