English Reference

Word

naval force

Definition

compound. a group of ships and sailors that a country uses for fighting at sea.

compound. a military organization consisting of ships, submarines, and personnel designed for maritime warfare and defense.

Examples

“The country is building a strong naval force.”

“The government decided to send a naval force to protect the merchant ships from pirates.”

“The strategic deployment of a naval force in the region served as a significant deterrent against potential maritime aggression.”

Examples

simple

“The country is building a strong naval force.”

contextual

“The government decided to send a naval force to protect the merchant ships from pirates.”

complex

“The strategic deployment of a naval force in the region served as a significant deterrent against potential maritime aggression.”

Usage

usually functions as a collective noun and is often used in political or historical contexts.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'navy' to show that 'naval force' often refers to a specific group or fleet rather than the entire institution.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference